White House Begins Security Upgrade of Front Entrance at Secret Service Request
The administration is adding new fencing and reinforcing the main door of the White House, with plans subject to review by federal planning and arts commissions.
The White House has started a security project to reinforce its front entrance, following a request from the Secret Service. The work includes installing new fencing around the White House and Lafayette Park to allow pedestrian access to be limited if security concerns arise. The design will be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts before implementation.
Construction crews are also working on a previously unannounced helipad on the South Lawn, a $13 million project that was accelerated and had an additional $875,000 added in anticipation of an upcoming state visit, which officials say is likely to involve a foreign leader expected in September. In addition, demolition work began earlier this year on the East Wing for a planned ballroom, a project estimated at $600 million.
The upgrades are part of a broader series of construction initiatives across Washington, D.C., that together could cost about $1.2 billion, according to a recent estimate. A White House official indicated that much of the funding would come from taxpayer resources.
"The Secret Service determines there are security risks and recommends measures to protect the White House and surrounding areas," a spokesperson for the agency said.
The projects are subject to standard federal oversight and will proceed pending the required approvals.