politics
$1.2 Billion in Federal Landmark Projects Advance with Tarps Covering Columns During Repairs
Construction crews placed tarps printed with North Portico column images over scaffolding at the White House on Thursday during stone repairs. The work forms part of 18 major projects estimated at $1.2 billion across Washington, most funded by taxpayers. Additional efforts include a South Lawn helipad and East Wing demolition for a new ballroom.
Jul 9, 2:06 PM·1m read5 sources
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Construction crews placed tarps printed with images of the North Portico columns over scaffolding at the White House on Thursday during ongoing column repairs. A White House official stated that covering the front of the building has always been part of the restoration process and described the work as standard efforts to repair stones in the columns.
The New York Times reported an estimate of $1.2 billion for 18 major construction projects launched across Washington.
A White House official indicated most funding for the projects would come from taxpayers. The projects include work on the White House, a previously unannounced helipad on the South Lawn, demolition of the East Wing for a new ballroom, a $17 million renovation of Lafayette Park, and a proposed 250-foot arch in Washington.
Contractor records show an additional $875,000 was added to the helipad project’s $13 million budget ahead of an upcoming state visit.
The ballroom project is expected to cost $600 million, more than half of which would come from taxpayer funds. Tarps have covered the Kennedy Center sign for nearly a month after a court ordered removal of Trump’s name from the venue. A federal judge last month directed the Kennedy Center to explain the tarps by the end of July.
The Kennedy Center is appealing a May court ruling that blocked efforts to add Trump’s name and close the venue for renovations. Democratic lawmakers say the proposed arch project requires congressional approval.
