The Costs of Replacing Fire Hydrants and Lighting Fixtures at the National Mall, Washington, D.C., Following the American Farmers' Demonstration

GAO evaluated some of the bills submitted to the National Park Service for repair work done at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. following the American farmers demonstration. Costs were investigated for the replacement of three fire hydrants, one damaged light pole, and 20 light globes. These costs were adequately documented and seemed reasonable. Replacement cost ($9,900) of the firehydrants exceeded the original cost estimate ($3,000) because the original estimate was given without an onsite inspection and did not envision the extent to which damage had occurred. The Park Service replaced the light pole for $2,400 and the globes for about $2,107. These items were designed from specific patterns developed for the National Mall restoration in 1975. Therefore, the seemingly high costs were reasonable.