This morning, the National Trust responded to the Vice Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) regarding the September 24 termination of the legally required Section 106 review for the proposed Triumphal Arch Project. The National Trust objected both to the premature termination of consultation concerning this Project that will permanently adversely affect numerous iconic and nationally significant historic resources, and to the Vice Chair's subsequent recommendation that the Secretary of the Interior proceed with the Project on an expedited basis.

In the letter, Ross Bradford, Acting General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, stated:

“Unfortunately, your draft comments do not reflect the gravity of the undertaking for this Project or the magnitude of its effects. As currently written your comments fall well short of the level of scrutiny and analysis warranted by a project that would permanently alter the Monumental Core, disrupt one of the Nation's most significant commemorative landscapes, and intrude upon the solemn character, historic setting, and commemorative function of Arlington National Cemetery.”

Download the letter here.

We will continue to keep the public apprised as this project goes forward.