President Donald Trump’s massive arch near Arlington National Cemetery has cleared another hurdle, with a federal preservation agency ending its consultation with local officials over the project’s impact on nearby historic sites.
The decision ends a consultation process that had exposed deep disagreements over the project.
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Officials object to ‘adverse effects’
The National Park Service has acknowledged that the 250-foot arch would have “adverse effects” on the surrounding historic landscape and views.
Virginia officials say the arch would “mar” the landscape around Arlington National Cemetery and have pushed the administration to consider alternatives, including shrinking or moving it.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, currently led by a Trump appointee, is now ending that process without an agreement.
“We are hereby terminating consultation,” the council said in a letter, ending the process without an agreement with Virginia and D.C. preservation officials.
The council will send its final comments to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum by Oct. 7. Burgum will then decide how the Interior Department proceeds with the project.
The arch also still needs final approval from the National Planning Commission, which could vote as soon as Nov. 5. The administration has said it wants construction to begin as soon as November.
Trump adds a military role
Trump also recently added a military purpose to the project, saying the arch would house drones, snipers and ammunition.
Trump said the “Military Complex/Triumphal Arch” would have the ability to deploy “large numbers of drones” and station snipers on the roof and plaza, with ammunition stored inside. “There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World,” he wrote.”
The project continues to face opposition from veterans groups and historic preservationists, including a lawsuit seeking to block construction.
The administration maintains that it has the authority to build the arch and says it will follow all required laws and regulations.
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