Congressman Warns of Historic Preservation, Traffic and Public Safety Concerns

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) urged the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) Thursday to reject President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch on Columbia Island, warning that the project threatens historic landmarks, regional transportation and public safety.

Beyer, whose 8th Congressional District includes Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, testified before the 12-member commission Nov. 5 as it considered the administration’s proposal. The commission, which oversees federal construction and planning in the Washington region, was expected to vote on the project later Thursday.

Beyer sharply criticized the proposal and questioned whether the commission had adequately considered the project’s potential security implications.

“While the President has called for the project to be ‘converted’ to a base for drones and snipers, that appears nowhere in this Commission’s consideration of the project,” Beyer testified.

“I can only conclude that by rubber-stamping the Arch without considering that position, this Commission is either calling the President a liar, or knowingly moving forward with an incomplete and potentially-fraudulent application.”

Beyer said opposition to the project has been particularly strong among Northern Virginia residents who would be directly affected by its construction.

“In my time in Congress, I have never seen a project with such profound, widespread opposition from the very people who it will affect most,” he said.

The congressman also spoke about his personal connection to Arlington National Cemetery, where his parents, grandparents and sister are buried.

Beyer argued that the proposed structure would permanently alter views from the cemetery and surrounding historic landmarks, including Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Lincoln Memorial.

The National Park Service’s assessment of the project found that the arch would adversely affect dozens of historic properties and monuments throughou