[incredulous joe]

The cost:

“Funding for a $200 million renovation of the Mall was included in Obama’s stimulus package but was yanked Tuesday night during a House Rules Committee session to slim down the $825 billion measure, according to congressional records.”

[incredulous joe]

The Dimensions:

From the Capitol steps to the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall runs 1.9 miles (3.0 km).

From the steps to the Washington Monument, the Mall spans 1.2 miles (1.8 km).

From Grant Statue to Lincoln Memorial, the Mall covers 309.2 acres (1,251,000 m²).

[incredulous joe]

The Sod:

hydroseeding for a turf lawn (not erosion control) $0.10/sq ft

sod should run $3.75-$4.00/yard installed (fescue and $1.75/yard cost)

[incredulous joe]

The National Mall:

[incredulous joe]

Post-Obama:

[Recon Dad]

Also, if you know anything about landscaping ~ I don't ~ if you have any comment about such a project

Not a pro but having walked the mall on a few occasions whether it costs $1 or $200 million it's money down the drain because they have no sprinkler system. The grass would be dead by the first of August. I do know sprinkler systems and without one it's a waste of money.

[ThomasThomas]

I sure it only cost $200 million because it would be done by Obama volunteers for free.

[usmcobra]

But it’s imported Mirukani grass $100 a square ft.

[wideminded]

I heard over the weekend that the mall money includes funds to repair the Jefferson Memorial which is apparently sinking into the (formerly swampy) ground where it was built near the Tidal Basin.

So maybe not all the funds are intended for grass.

It still seems like you should be able to do both for less than $200 million.

[mad_as_he$$]

I heard some talking head say that there was a lot of pavement and curbing that was to be replaced as well as the addition of sprinklers. That could explain the very large numbers.