Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday, weeks after a more than $16 million renovation was completed. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed the move, saying the draining was planned and may remove debris from Independence Day fireworks, while announcing that no new tender would be issued for the next phase of work.
The pool was plagued by an algae bloom and peeling coating shortly after its initial completion in June. Critics have attributed the problems to flawed workmanship and the paint used, while President Donald Trump blamed vandalism.
Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to felony property destruction on July 9, and at least three others face misdemeanor charges. Democratic lawmakers are investigating the project, which awarded contracts to Ohio-based Green Water Solutions and Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings.