NEWS AND OPINION:
A historic spot in the nation’s capital is about to get some genuine TLC.
The National Park Service is preparing for a three-year, $113 million rehabilitation of the sea walls around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River through West Potomac Park — an area treasured by tourists and local residents alike.
“This critical investment will ensure the park is able to protect some of the nation’s most iconic memorials and the Japanese flowering cherry trees from the immediate threats of failing infrastructure and rising sea levels for the next 100 years,” NPS said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.
“Age, rising sea levels and poor drainage have taken a toll on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawalls. Portions of the seawalls have settled as much as five feet since their initial construction from the late 1800s to the early 1900s,” NPS said.
This is a big deal.
Site preparation begins in late May and requires the removal of about 140 Japanese flowering cherry trees between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
“Tree locations and topography were considered in the construction planning, and every effort was made to minimize the number of trees that must be removed. In all, approximately 300 trees are scheduled for removal in the construction zones. When the project is completed, 455 trees (including 274 cherry trees) will be replanted in the area,” NPS said.
Initial construction activity will begin in late spring and early summer to establish a construction staging area in West Potomac Park and site preparation around the Tidal Basin. Once the staging is complete, construction will occur in two phases, first around the Tidal Basin, followed by the Potomac River work in West Potomac Park.
Happily, the project will salvage and reuse original — and historic — stones whenever possible.
The project is part of nearly $500 million in planned infrastructure improvements at the National Mall before the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in 2026.
“There will be no construction activity in 2024 that affects visitors to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the trail around the Tidal Basin will remain open through the duration of the work, although temporary pedestrian detours will be constructed in some areas. The seawall restoration is projected for completion in 2027,” NPS said.
BEWARE THE POLLEN BOMB
“Pollen bomb” is not a new term — but it is a popular one, used to describe a sudden and often unexpected increase in allergy-inducing pollen as spring arrives.
“Pollen bomb! Doctors are seeing ‘unusually’ high numbers of patients with severe allergies before spring,” the New York Post reported on Tuesday.
“Flowers are far from blooming, but allergies are blossoming in the worst way. As spring’s official start is still a week away — Tuesday, March 19 — many Americans have reported an increase in allergy-related symptoms earlier than usual,” the news organization said.
“Allergy season typically begins around April when high levels of pollen are dispersed throughout the air, causing allergy-prone people to experience frequent sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and itchy throat,” the report stated.
Meanwhile, pollen bomb concerns are surfacing elsewhere.
“How to protect your home from an early pollen bomb,” reported the Manchester Evening News, a British news organization.
“National data shows that states in the south have been hit hard by pollen bombs,” the Daily Mail said.
Both reports also were published Tuesday.
‘THE COMEBACK STARTS NOW’
The Republican National Committee is not holding back when it comes to scrutiny of the White House.
“America’s comeback starts now,” said Jake Schneider, director of rapid response for the Republican National Committee.
“Under President Trump, America’s border was secure. President Trump ended ‘catch and release,’ constructed hundreds of miles of wall, implemented ‘Remain in Mexico’ and safe third country agreements, imposed an asylum ban, and expedited removals. When illegal aliens violated our border, they were quickly detained and removed. President Biden dismantled border security as soon as he took office,” Mr. Schneider said in an analysis of the evolving situation.
“Under President Trump, America was prosperous. The average yearly inflation rate under President Trump was 1.9%; under Biden, it’s 5.6%. Real average weekly earnings rose by 8.2% under President Trump; they have declined by 4.2% under Biden. The average regular gas price was $2.68/gallon under President Trump; they’ve averaged about $3.60/gallon under Biden,” he noted.
“Under President Trump, America was strong. He eliminated ISIS, took out the world’s number one terrorist leader, secured historic peace deals across the Middle East, and restored U.S. standing on the world stage. Biden has unleashed one international disaster after another by appeasing Iran, failing to contain China, and botching the Afghanistan withdrawal,” Mr. Schneider continued.
Mr. Biden, he said, has created “chaos and division,” while Republicans remain “united around President Donald J. Trump.”
Visit the Republican National Committee and their continuing research at GOP.com.
GARVEY’S SCORECARD
Here’s news on Steve Garvey, the California Republican who intends to be the next U.S. senator from the Golden State by beating Rep. Adam Schiff, his Democratic opponent.
“Baseball legend and leading candidate for California’s open U.S. Senate seat, Steve Garvey, became the top vote-getter for the full term, as of the California Secretary of State’s vote count update at 7:01 p.m. released Tuesday, and remains ahead in the partial, unexpired term,” Mr. Garvey’s campaign said in a statement shared with Inside the Beltway.
“Garvey has earned 2,037,504 votes (32%), Rep. Adam Schiff has earned 2,032,703 votes (31.9%), with an estimated 1,256,817 remaining to be counted as of Tuesday’s update. There are 30 days left to certify the election results,” the campaign said.
“It’s clear that our message of unity, common sense, and compassion resonates across the state,” I am deeply honored by the trust and support shown in these preliminary results,” Mr. Garvey said.
POLL DU JOUR
• 80% of U.S. adults say the world is changing too fast.
• 79% agree say they are hopeful for their future.
• 66% say they buy brands that reflect their personal values.
• 65% say their religion or faith is very important to them.
• 53% say that being a sports fan is very important to them.
Source: An Ipsos poll of 1,084 U.S. adults conducted online March 5-6.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin.