Overview
- The FAA determined on Friday, Sept. 18 that the planned 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery would not pose an aviation hazard if it includes an eternal flame and floodlight projectors on top.
- The agency withdrew a prior requirement for red obstruction lights and opened the decision to public petitions through October 18.
- A federal judge on Sept. 4 ordered the administration to give 48 hours' notice before most site work begins, with an exception for limited excavation to find underground cultural artifacts.
- Three veterans and an architectural historian have sued to block the project, arguing the arch would ruin the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery and asking the court for a restraining order.
- The National Park Service has concluded the arch would have unavoidable adverse effects on historic properties and flagged construction risks such as cranes up to 300–320 feet and the site’s location roughly 3,000 feet from Reagan National Airport.