FAA Clears Trump Arch, Despite Historic Site Lawsuits

The FAA has determined that President Donald Trump’s proposed roughly 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport would not pose a substantial aviation hazard, though the decision remains subject to petitions before becoming final. The agency requires an eternal flame or other prominent lighting at the top and floodlights aimed at the structure so pilots can see it in the complex, restricted airspace near the airport. Trump has newly described the monument as a military complex capable of deploying drones, positioning snipers and storing ammunition, but the Pentagon said it had no information beyond his statement. The National Park Service has acknowledged that the project would adversely affect Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and other historic properties by altering important views, settings and landscapes, with those effects unable to be fully avoided because of the location. Veterans, preservationists and an architectural historian are suing to block construction, arguing that it lacks congressional authorization and would damage historically significant views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. The administration reportedly aims to begin construction as early as November, while proposed mitigation measures include controlling construction impacts, coordinating work around funerals and events, conducting archaeological studies, preserving pedestrian access, rehabilitating the landscape and documenting or interpreting affected views.