Plan to drain and deep-clean the Reflecting Pool gains momentum with new bids

The Interior Department is soliciting bids for a contractor to maintain the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after a second round of repairs, including daily cleaning, debris removal, filter upkeep, and periodic draining for a two-week clean, with annual pumping out during winter. The effort aims to fix algae blooms, a slick bottom, and vandalism concerns, and is part of a project that has cost over $14 million so far. Bids are due by July 8, and work is expected to begin in August, following Independence Day celebrations.