A federal planning panel approved final plans for President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch Thursday, advancing the Washington project as court challenges threaten to delay construction.
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 after nearly nine hours of public comment, the BBC reported. The commission’s official project file lists the November 5 review as a request for approval of final site and building plans. Its earlier approval placed the arch at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, at the western end of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Court fight shifts attention to construction
Three lawsuits over the proposal have been combined into a case before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, The Epoch Times reported. The plaintiffs are seeking to stop construction while the litigation proceeds.
Opponents have raised concerns about historic sightlines, traffic and public safety, as well as whether Congress authorized the project. The administration argues that congressional authorization dates back more than a century, according to Reuters, carried by Central Oregon Daily.
The proposed construction schedule begins with six to eight months of excavation and foundation work. Above-ground construction would begin no earlier than May 2027, with the entire job expected to take 33 to 39 months, Reuters reported, citing the Justice Department’s account of the plans.
A new monument near Arlington
The arch would mark the country’s 250th anniversary. Its design includes a winged Lady Liberty figure and golden eagles. Supporters on the commission described it as a tribute to the nation and its veterans; opponents said it would disrupt the setting around Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
The National Park Service describes Arlington Memorial Bridge and Avenue as a ceremonial connection between Washington and Arlington National Cemetery. The planning approval moves the arch beyond the preliminary review granted in July, while the litigation leaves the timing of work dependent on further decisions.
JBizNews Desk | Washington
© JBizNews.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is strictly prohibited.
