politics
Federal commission approves preliminary plans for 250-foot arch in Washington
The National Capital Planning Commission voted to advance site and building plans for a 250-foot arch at the Virginia end of Memorial Bridge. A final vote on the project's height is scheduled for September.
Jul 9, 6:48 PM·1m read2 sources
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A federal commission voted Thursday to approve preliminary site and building plans for a 250-foot arch at the Virginia end of Memorial Bridge. The National Capital Planning Commission oversees construction on federal land in Washington and began reviewing the project in June.
Agency staff recommended approval along with revisions to comply with federal height limits, but the commission decided to continue deliberating the height issue.
Project details and timeline The arch would stand more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial and about half the height of the Washington Monument. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design in May. A final vote could occur at the commission's next meeting in September.
The project is one of several initiatives to reshape the nation's capital ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Opposition and legal action Some residents and groups testified against the project, citing its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery and potential disruption of views between the Lincoln Memorial and the cemetery. A group of veterans and a historian have filed a federal lawsuit to block construction over sightline concerns.
The commission includes members appointed by the current administration. The White House has not released a cost estimate for the arch, though earlier statements indicated some public funds would be used.
