NPS takes first step to save iconic part of DC threatened by rising water levels
WASHINGTON (7News) — The National Park Service (NPS) said it has taken the first step to save an iconic part of DC threatened by rising water levels.
NPS awarded a $5.7 million dollar contract to design a fix for the seawall around the Tidal Basin. A spokesperson said it has sunk three or four feet over the last 75 years.
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Meanwhile, water levels have gone up about a foot.
The area now floods twice a day and many of the stones are crumbling.
NPS said it wants a new seawall that can handle future rises in sea levels.
One of the important features that we want to make sure happens is that this is a sustainable design, that it not only fixes the immediate problem but for the next 25, 50, 75 years it’s sustainable and adaptable to those changing conditions,” said Mike Litterst of NPS.
The Park Service says the change will help preserve the Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials, which are threatened by the rising water levels.
It will also protect the cherry trees, as flooding has already killed more than a dozen.
They hope to begin construction late next year.
