US Park Service Awards Contract for Planned East Potomac Golf Course Renovation
The US National Park Service has awarded a contract related to planned renovation work at the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., according to Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee.
The development is part of President Donald Trump’s plans to transform the public golf course into a larger golf venue. The project has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and others who have raised questions about the future use of the historic public site.
Nearly $400,000 Contract Approved
Rep. Jared Huffman of California, the committee’s top Democrat, disclosed the contract during a congressional hearing.
The National Park Service awarded $389,355 to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., a Massachusetts-based engineering company, for environmental and historic preservation compliance work associated with the golf course project.
Huffman said the contract was awarded without a public announcement or advance notification to Congress.
Larger Construction Contract Could Follow
The Park Service has also posted an advance notice for a potential construction contract valued at up to $49 million, with the solicitation currently expected on January 31, 2027.
However, an Interior Department spokesperson said the final course design has not yet been completed and described speculation about the eventual cost as premature.
Trump Administration Plans Major Golf Course Upgrade
The administration has previously announced plans to renovate East Potomac Golf Links. Trump has said he wants the facility to become a world-class golf venue capable of hosting major tournaments.
Earlier this year, the administration reached an agreement with Fazio Golf Design to prepare renovation plans for the course.
Lawmakers Raise Questions Over Public Access
Several Democratic lawmakers have questioned how the redevelopment could affect the historic public park.
Huffman, along with Reps. Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey and Don Beyer and District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron requesting documents and records related to the project.
Lawmakers have also pointed to the site’s long history as a public recreation area and questioned whether the proposed redevelopment is consistent with the legislation that established East Potomac Park.
East Potomac Park Has Historic Status
East Potomac Park was established by Congress in 1897, with the legislation designating the area for public recreation. The golf course opened in 1919 and has served Washington residents for more than a century.
The redevelopment plans have also prompted concerns among some local residents about potential changes to the character of the site, public access and future golf fees.
The Interior Department has maintained that the final design is still being developed, meaning details about the project’s eventual scope and cost remain subject to change.
