From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Federal agency ends consultation on Trump's arch near Arlington
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation says it is terminating required talks with Virginia and Washington, D.C., over the triumphal arch planned at the foot of Arlington Memorial Cemetery.
In brief
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation says it is terminating required talks with Virginia and Washington, D.C., over the triumphal arch planned at the foot of Arlington Memorial Cemetery. The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation ended required consultation with Virginia and D.C. on Trump's triumphal…
Federal agency gives up on local talks
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation wrote Thursday that it is terminating required consultation with Virginia and Washington, D.C., about President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch.
Where the arch would be built
The triumphal arch would be built at the foot of Arlington Memorial Cemetery across the Potomac River on National Park Service land, according to the administration's plans.
Virginia says the arch will mar the landscape
Virginia's Department of Historic Resources said the arch will mar the landscape and that the Park Service has not genuinely consulted on ways to minimize harm to the historic setting.
“DHR anticipates all the proposed mitigation will do will further highlight how this undertaking has marred rather than added to these spaces.”
Virginia says Park Service ignored concerns
Samantha Henderson, director of review and compliance at Virginia's Department of Historic Resources, wrote that the Park Service received numerous comments but has not addressed them in a manner showing it seeks agreement.
“[t]hese comments have not been directly addressed in a manner that shows NPS is consulting with the goal of seeking agreement where feasible.”
Trump says arch will house military equipment
Trump said on his social media platform that he agreed to convert the arch into a military complex to house drones and snipers on the roof and plaza areas, plus store sniper ammunition.
“top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas”
Interior Secretary will decide next
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation will forward its final comments to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum by October seventh. Burgum will then determine whether to move forward with the arch.
Design still needs final approval
The project design has yet to receive final approval by the National Capital Planning Commission but is slated to be reviewed by that agency over the next six months.
Here's the gist
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation ended required consultation with Virginia and D.C. on Trump's triumphal arch near Arlington Memorial Cemetery, clearing the way for the project to proceed.
