DC Mayor provides recommendations for Trump's ‘Make DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force'
WASHINGTON () — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she provided written testimony to President Donald Trump's 'Make DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force,' which met for the first time this week.
The task force was created under executive order last month, charged with increasing the number of police officers in public spaces, maximizing immigration enforcement and expediting concealed carry licenses for 'law-abiding citizens' in D.C.
It also focuses on cleaning up graffiti and homeless encampments across the District.
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'We will be providing a written brief to the task force,' said Bowser during a press event Monday.
In the written briefing, the Mayor said she confirmed that D.C.'s forensics lab is accredited and that the police chief asked for more assistance from U.S. Park Police in patrolling federal roadways like the George Washington Parkway.
She also emphasized the dire need for the House to pass the DC Local Funds Act, which would restore D.C.'s current fiscal budget.
'Additionally, we outlined several fountains that are in the National Park Service (NPS) portfolio that don't work. Getting those fixed, that's beautiful. So, we are encouraging the task force to turn their attention to that,' she said.
That includes the cascading fountain at Meridian Hill Park.
According to NPS, a restoration project began there in 2019. The fountain has been turned off ever since.
'During the project, it was found that more repairs were needed to get the fountain working properly again. Several critical components of the fountain need replacement, and extensive concrete work is needed to fix damaged areas,' said Autumn Cook, Public Affairs Officer with NPS.
She stated that the earliest the project will receive funding is fiscal year 2027.
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Bowser also pointed out reductions in trash pickup on the National Mall as a beautification issue that the federal government can help with.
'We also outlined, what we understand, is that the National Park Service has been impacted by cuts, and they have reduced the number of trash pickups on the National Mall,' she said. 'So, we are asking them to restore three times daily trash pickups on the Mall.'
Mike Litterst, with the National Park Service, addressed that concern.
'It is not unusual or unique this year for operating hours and operational priorities, such as the trash collection schedule, to change, as we experience adjustments in park staffing levels,' he said. 'Even with those adjustments, our crews are working hard to maintain a high level of service.'
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