"President Donald Trump's proposal to put a coat of white paint on the exterior of a 19th-century historic landmark building next to the White House could cost taxpayers at least $7.5 million, a White House official involved in the project said Thursday. Ryan Erb, the construction operations and facilities manager in the White House Office of Administration, which is spearheading the proposal, discussed details with members of the National Capital Planning Commission as the federal agency opened its review process. The commission did not approve the project on Thursday, instead directing the White House to provide the agency with additional information at a future date."
"Questioned about project costs, Erb said his office continues to work with an outside vendor to test the silicate paint they want to use, but offered $7.5 million as a preliminary estimate just for the exterior paint job. The White House would use money already designated for maintenance and upkeep projects. "Unfortunately, we can't rush that process," Erb told the commissioners at their monthly meeting. "We're trying to get all the data first.""
"The White House has put forward two proposals: painting the entire gray granite exterior of the Eisenhower building white, or painting most of the building white. The proposed painting of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is one piece of a broader plan the Republican president has said will make Washington more beautiful. Trump is making numerous changes inside and outside the White House and its grounds, most notably razing the East Wing to build a 1,000-person ballroom."
A proposal to paint the exterior of the 19th-century Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House with white silicate paint could cost taxpayers at least $7.5 million. A White House facilities manager said the White House Office of Administration is spearheading the effort and is testing the paint with an outside vendor. The National Capital Planning Commission opened its review but did not approve the project, directing the White House to provide additional information later. The White House would use funds already designated for maintenance and upkeep. Two painting options were presented: painting the entire gray granite exterior white or painting most of the building white. The work is described as part of broader efforts to beautify Washington.
#white-house #historic-landmark-restoration #government-construction-costs #national-capital-planning-commission #urban-beautification
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