Construction company caused damage to Reflecting Pool, U.S. Justice Department admits

The U.S. Department of Justice has admitted that substandard work by the construction firm hired for the Reflecting Pool's renovation led to damage at the historic site. This admission comes as the department intends to withdraw vandalism charges against a former U.S. Olympian who had been accused of damaging the pool.

The incident involved the pool's paint peeling off and spreading throughout the basin. This occurred less than two weeks after the completion of the renovation. The project, costing $14.7 million, was notably awarded without a competitive bidding process, reportedly at the request of the U.S. President.

Court documents filed on Friday indicate the Justice Department's acknowledgment of the construction company's culpability. The decision to drop the charges against the former Olympian signifies a shift in the investigation's focus towards the contractor responsible for the flawed renovation work.