Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Turns Green Again After $14 Million Makeover

Key Points:

• The Trump administration completed a $14.8 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, applying an "American Flag blue" surface to address leaks and algae growth, but the pool quickly turned green again due to persistent algae.
• The pool's longstanding structural issues, including unstable mudflats causing cracks and leaks, were not resolved by the resurfacing, which only coated the concrete slabs with a blue sealant.
• Workers continue efforts to combat algae using methods like skimming, vacuuming, ozone nanobubbles, and hydrogen peroxide, while officials claim the green color is part of a normal startup process following the renovation.
• The expedited renovation faced criticism for bypassing full procurement processes, increasing costs from an initial $1.8 million estimate to $14.8 million, and for potentially undermining the historic significance of the landmark.
• Preservation advocates and nonprofit leaders argue that the new blue surface alters the site's historic character, while the administration defends the project as improving the pool's reflection and visitor experience.