Norton Says NPS Award of Contract to Modernize Washington Monument Elevator and Construct Screening Center Keeps Critical Project Moving on Time

Washington Monument is a Norton Priority for D.C. Tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement after the National Park Service (NPS) announced it had awarded a contract to modernize the Washington Monument elevator and construct a permanent screening facility for visitors to enter the Monument.

"I am relieved that NPS is in step with its timeline to repair what I have called the most important elevator in the nation's capital—the Washington Monument elevator. The Washington Monument was so plagued by chronic shutdowns due to elevator malfunctions that NPS was forced to give up and do a comprehensive overhaul. The modernization should ensure seamless operation of the Monument's elevator to keep a critical engine of our local economy up and running. Americans, for whom the Monument is a tourist highlight, and particularly the District of Columbia, a tourist mecca, are deeply indebted to David Rubenstein for the funds for the elevator's modernization, and I am indebted to my friends on the Appropriations Committee for providing the funds to construct a permanent screening center outside the Monument. The necessary funds to ensure the project is completed on time, by early 2019, are now available. I will be closely monitoring the elevator's progress and receiving regular updates from NPS officials to ensure there are no delays."