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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNo-bid contract to turn DC's reflecting pool blue goes to firm with ties to Trump
No-bid contract to turn DCs reflecting pool blue goes to firm with ties to Trump (The Guardian)Donald Trumps latest beautification plan for Washington DC the restoration of the 2,000ft-long reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial has met been with claims that a $6.9m contract to carry out the project was hastily handed out to a company that renovated a swimming pool at the presidents Virginia golf course.
The New York Times reported that the no-bid contract for the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was given to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, based in New Canton, Virginia, on 3 April despite company records showing it has not previously been awarded a federal contract.
One of the companys owners, Curtis Wood, declined to comment on the contract to the Times.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/09/trump-no-bid-contract-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool
Ocelot II
(131,123 posts)Norrrm
(5,465 posts)underpants
(197,048 posts)All the videos I saw of him shaking hands with the crew are from MAGA posters on X so wont post them but their work trailer said Atoka, OK on it.
Maintaining clarity in the pool for it to reflect has been a problem since it was constructed in 1922. It is between 18in and 30in deep, holds about 6.75m gallons of water and has no natural flow. In Washingtons hot, humid summer, the pool turns green with algae.
However, it is not certain that painting the pool blue will fix its major issue: a filtration system thats not up to the job. The pool may turn green with or without a blue bottom.
Painting is not going to solve that problem, Aquatic Council chairperson Tim Auerhahn told the Times. Auerhahn also said that Trumps decision to visit the pool by motorcade recently may have exacerbated the leaks.
If it were my project, Id require an immediate inspection, Auerhahn added.
bif
(27,161 posts)Oh that's right, a felon is now in charge. Taking care of his rich " buddies." But in reality, he doesn't actually have any friends.
Melon
(1,620 posts)Any stagnant pool or pond without a lot chemicals or massive circulation will grow algae. I read the sealant is supposed to stop the water draining thru all the tiny cracks or porous cement.
Maybe not an open bid for something like that but they should have selected the best biggest players and got bids from each. The $300M proposal from Joes admin was to fix everything including the foundation. This may or may not work and we dont know if the price is good.
tanyev
(49,587 posts)😒