Reflecting Pool Refinishing Project Exceeds Budget and Timeline

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall underwent refinishing that included painting the bottom surface. The work began in April and remained incomplete as of Tuesday. Federal spending on the project reached at least $14 million before an additional $1.7 million was spent on algae removal. The total now stands at $16 million, excluding National Park Service labor costs.

The work was initially projected to last one to two weeks. It has now extended beyond 60 days. Hot and humid conditions in Washington, D.C., produced an algae bloom shortly after the pool was refilled. Officials brought in another contractor to apply nanobubble technology, which reduced some growth but contributed to peeling of the new blue finish.

A 2012 restoration repaired leaks and installed a new water source. That project cost $34 million, lasted two years, and also experienced an algal bloom upon completion. A nonprofit filed suit in May to halt the current refinishing. The complaint cited historical documents requiring dark tiles to create the illusion of greater depth and argued that the new surface alters that feature.