NEWS: Hickenlooper Demands Trump Personally Reimburse Taxpayers for Reflecting Pool Disaster

Hickenlooper calls for congressional investigation into failed project Hickenlooper visited the Reflecting Pool yesterday after botched $16M renovation resulted in algae, dead wildlife WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released a public letter to President Trump calling on him to personally reimburse the American taxpayer for his failed $16M no-bid renovation to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hickenlooper also called on Congress to investigate the contracting and procurement decisions that created this disaster. “For weeks, Americans have watched a national embarrassment unfold on the National Mall,” wrote Hickenlooper. “Americans work hard for their money. When they pay taxes, they expect those dollars to fix roads, support schools, and protect our public lands. They do not expect to bankroll failed presidential vanity projects.” Hickenlooper continued: “The Reflecting Pool belongs to all Americans. The bill for this fiasco should only belong to you, Mr. President.” Watch Hickenlooper’s visit to the Reflecting Pool HERE . Download the video HERE . Yesterday, Hickenlooper visited the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and has demanded an immediate congressional investigation into the botched project. “The American people deserve answers… It’s time to follow every taxpayer dollar that was spent, subpoena every communication that led to these no-bid contracts, and ensure that those who defraud American taxpayers are held fully accountable,” said Hickenlooper in a video. In April, Trump announced that his administration would resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The administration awarded a no-bid, $1.5M contract for this project to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago neighbor and donor, John J. Cafaro, for a water purification system and a $14.7M no-bid contract towards installing a blue sealant. Shortly after completion, the reflecting pool turned green because of the explosive growth of algae , the paint was stripping off , and dead wildlife were found floating in the water . Trump dispatched National Guard and other federal law enforcement officers to patrol the area and arrest people who were touching the water while blatantly lying in press conferences about the project. For the full text of the letter, click HERE or find below: Dear President Trump: I write today to call on you to personally reimburse the American taxpayer for the failed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. For weeks, Americans have watched a national embarrassment unfold on the National Mall. Under the guise of an “emergency,” your Administration bypassed competitive bidding processes to rush a renovation of the iconic Reflecting Pool. You said you wanted to paint the pool “American flag blue” in time for a July 4th photo-op. What’s unfolded since has been a complete disaster. Today, the Reflecting Pool is a fluorescent green swamp of algae, and the expensive blue sealant is already peeling off the bottom in sheets. This was not a result of vandalism but your administration’s incompetence. Federal records show that a $1.7 million contract for a water purification system was handed to a company owned by John J. Cafaro, your Mar-a-Lago neighbor and major donor who has pumped tens of thousands of dollars into your political activities. Another $14.7 million no-bid contract went toward installing the ill-fated blue sealant. Shoddy work, a missed deadline, and more than $16 million of taxpayer dollars are gone – all while Americans struggle to afford gas, groceries, and housing. Americans work hard for their money. When they pay taxes, they expect those dollars to fix roads, support schools, and protect our public lands. They do not expect to bankroll failed presidential vanity projects. If you want a blue Reflecting Pool for a photo-op, you should pay for it yourself. I also urge Congress to immediately investigate the contracting and procurement decisions that created this disaster. We must follow every taxpayer dollar that was spent, subpoena every communication that led to these no-bid contracts, and ensure that those who defraud American taxpayers are held fully accountable. The Reflecting Pool belongs to all Americans. The bill for this fiasco should only belong to you, Mr. President. Sincerely, ###