Contractors repaint Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool ahead of July deadline

Workers are applying a blue waterproof coating to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The site has been drained and fenced off to allow contractors to complete upgrades by July 4. The reflecting pool, built in 1922, has experienced leaks and algae growth for decades.

Previous repair efforts, including one during the Obama administration, did not resolve the issues.

Contract and timeline Last month the federal government awarded a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a Virginia-based company, to waterproof and repaint the pool floor. President Trump stated the company had previously performed work at one of his golf clubs.

The contract value is reported at $13.1 million, higher than the $1.8 million figure initially mentioned. Interior Department staff have noted bubbles, small holes, and uneven blue coloring in the applied layers.

Union observations Herbert Zaldivar, business development director of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, visited the site and raised concerns about worker safety and the absence of competitive bidding. He stated workers appeared reluctant to discuss conditions on site.

A company supervisor referred questions to the National Park Service. A Department of the Interior spokesperson said the agency follows all applicable safety and contracting regulations. Tourists at the site have expressed disappointment over restricted access and changes to the historic appearance of the pool.