Doug Burgum, the interior secretary, announced plans to start work on the site of the 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, despite pending final approval from federal review panels. On Thursday, Burgum stated that excavation work would begin within the next two weeks, referring to the arch as a significant piece of American architecture. The project aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence and is intended to be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The Commission of Fine Arts approved the design in May, although President Trump rejected suggestions to reduce its size. Preliminary testing of the site has been conducted, and $500,000 has been allocated for an environmental assessment. However, the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees building projects on federally owned land, has not yet granted final approval. The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for October 1.
Concerns have been raised by preservation organizations and a group of Vietnam War veterans, who have filed a lawsuit to halt construction, arguing that it lacks congressional approval and would obstruct significant views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Nicolas Sansone, a lawyer leading the challenge, criticized the administration for proceeding with construction announcements despite ongoing legal processes.
Representative Donald S. Beyer Jr., a Virginia Democrat, stated that the project is not ready for implementation and highlighted the lack of legal authorization. He suggested that the administration is rushing the project due to political considerations ahead of the upcoming elections. The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing construction of a ballroom project has raised concerns about the ability of preservation groups to challenge the arch project legally.
The Federal Aviation Administration has also reviewed the arch project for its potential impact on air traffic, recommending safety measures such as obstruction lights. It remains unclear if the administration will implement these recommendations.