Interior Department Keeps Current Contractors Despite Scrutiny
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced Sunday that the federal government will retain its current vendors for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool restoration, rejecting calls for new contractors. Despite mounting questions regarding project management and the use of public funds, Burgum defended the existing work during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
“We’ll use the same company, because they did a fantastic job,” Burgum said. The pool is undergoing renovations ahead of the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations on July 4.
Vandalism Cited as Primary Cause of Structural Damage
The project has been plagued by technical setbacks, including a proliferation of algae for more than a week and reports that parts of the new lining have given the impression of peeling off the bottom. Burgum attributed these failures to criminal acts rather than poor workmanship. He stated that the structure sustained multiple cuts that, in total, sum to 106 meters (350 feet). To finalize the necessary repairs, the pool will require at least a partial draining in the coming week.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Former Olympian
Authorities have arrested more than six individuals in connection with the damage. Among those charged is former Olympian David Hearn, who faces a count of destruction of property. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro alleges Hearn tore the newly installed sealant from the pool floor in a “deliberate act” causing more than one thousand dollars in damages.
According to Pirro, Hearn pulled at the liner with “force and violence” and acted belligerently toward staff who attempted to intervene. Hearn’s legal team, Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, fired back, calling the charges “outrageous” and “an alarm to all Americans.” They further argued the case reflects an “improper use of government power against an ordinary citizen based on a manufactured narrative.” When pressed on the potential for a 10-year prison sentence, Burgum deferred to the court system.
Congressional Inquiry into No-Bid Contracts
The project is now the subject of an investigation by approximately 10 Democratic members of Congress, who are demanding transparency regarding no-bid contracts. Financial records indicate the federal government awarded 14.7 million dollars to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings for waterproofing and repainting. Additionally, Ohio-based Green Water Solutions—also known as Greenwater Services—received 1.7 million dollars for a water purification system.
Last month, six senators signed a letter demanding an explanation for the project’s failures and accountability for taxpayer expenditures. While the Reflecting Pool remained closed during the Independence Day holiday, Burgum maintained that the closure was a security measure related to fireworks displays, not a direct result of the restoration issues.
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