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Norton Speaks with NPS Superintendent Following Repeated Washington Monument Elevator Glitches

May 21, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) spoke with National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks Robert Vogel yesterday regarding reports of elevator glitches in the Washington Monument, following the temporary elevator breakdown last week.

"When the Monument elevator broke down again, I felt I had to speak with NPS Superintendent Robert Vogel because we cannot risk a dysfunctional elevator becoming the Achilles heel of the Washington Monument, which, in many ways, is the crown jewel of all tourist attractions in the city," said Norton. "The superintendent is as concerned as I am, but assured me that the Washington Monument's visitor rate is still sky high and has not diminished with the recent elevator glitches. Most importantly, I was reassured that the elevator is operationally safe and that the breakdown was an issue with the door. Whatever the issue, it needs to be addressed quickly – even if it means a new elevator system."

Norton also spoke with Vogel last week, following the initial temporary breakdown after the reopening of the Monument.

Published: May 21, 2014