A nonprofit sues the feds over plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue : NPR

Key Points:

• The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) has sued the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over plans to resurface and paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, alleging the Trump administration failed to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act.
• President Trump announced the $2 million project last month, aiming to complete it in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and described the pool as "filthy dirty" and leaking, promising to hire companies experienced with swimming pools.
• The resurfacing contract was awarded without bidding to Atlantic Industrial Coatings for $6.9 million, a company with no prior federal contracts, and the total cost could reach $13 million according to reports; the Department of the Interior defended the choice citing expedited timelines and enhanced visitor experience.
• Critics, including TCLF president Charles A. Birnbaum, argue that painting the basin blue disrupts the historic design intent of the reflecting pool, which is meant to provide a solemn, reflective surface subordinate to the surrounding monuments, comparing the blue color to something more fitting for a resort or theme park.
• The National Park Service regularly maintains the pool, with the last major renovation costing $34 million during the Obama administration, which included installing a new circulation and filtration system.