Norton at Ribbon Cutting for New Signs on National Mall

Norton at Ribbon Cutting for New Signs on National Mall

May 17, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today will speak at the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service ribbon cutting ceremony for a new way-finding sign system on the Mall at the Smithsonian Metro National Mall entrance at 12:30 p.m. Norton will be joined by Trust Chairman John "Chip" Akridge III and President Caroline Cunningham, as well as other trust directors, donors, and Park Service executives. The Mall is a major part of Norton's legislative agenda, which includes the National Mall Revitalization and Redesignation Act, to improve amenities on the Mall and allows the National Capital Planning Commission to designate new areas as part of the Mall.

"The Mall is getting its first facelift in a decade because of the efforts of the Trust, the Centennial Challenge, and stimulus funds I worked with appropriators to get two years ago," said Norton. "These new signs to the National Mall will help residents and tourists alike navigate this unique site, with its museums and other attractions. I take official Mall walks during tourist season to ensure that the Mall is crime-free and visitor friendly, because the Mall and the Smithsonian Institution are essential to the District, a tourism dependent town. The improvements to the Mall, which begin today, are nothing short of necessary."

The signs are part of a $2.2 million public-private partnership between the Trust and the Park Service. The first of the more than 450 signs will be placed at the Smithsonian Metro station and includes a National Mall Directory map that will feature Smithsonian museums and directions on how to get to a number of surrounding attractions.

Last week, Norton introduced three bills to help modernize the Smithsonian Institution and ensure transparency in operation.