President Donald Trump has proposed a $10 billion fund for construction and beautification projects in and around Washington D.C., a city he has frequently criticised as dirty and crime-ridden. The Presidential Capital Stewardship Program would be overseen by the National Park Service and would coordinate renovations of parks and aging infrastructure in the U.S. capital.
A White House budget document states: 'As the capital of the greatest Nation in the history of the world, Washington, D.C., should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces. However, many historic park features and public-facing infrastructure throughout the city show signs of decay, years of heavy public use, and inadequate maintenance.' The document adds that the projects 'would improve safety and accessibility, rehabilitate historic buildings and landscapes, and enhance architectural grandeur.'
Trump has previously called for the clean-up of homeless encampments and removal of graffiti in preparation for America's 250th birthday on July 4 this year. The investment is also intended to drive tourism and economic development. However, some lawmakers have expressed concern that the president could use the fund for vanity projects, according to The Washington Post.
Earlier this week, a judge ordered a halt to construction on Trump's $400 million luxury ballroom, for which he demolished the historic East Wing of the White House, on the grounds that he had not sought congressional permission. Trump said the judge was 'so wrong' and that the renovations were for safety.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate panel overseeing National Park Service budgeting, said: 'I'm a 'hell no' on giving Trump a blank check for vanity projects.' John Garder of the National Parks Conservation Association added: 'We support efforts to modernize and repair park infrastructure, but not when it's paired with massive cuts to Park Service operations.'
