UMVA has learned that the iconic Columbus Fountain in front of Washington’s Union Station is finally flowing again after nearly two decades of silence.
In a ceremony that crackled with anticipation, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a $465 million grant from the Department of Transportation to overhaul the historic terminal.
The infusion will fast‑track critical repairs—replacing the leaky roof, revitalizing passenger concourses, upgrading the Amtrak lounge, and modernizing ticketing kiosks.
Beyond structural fixes, the plan envisions a vibrant hub: new retail spaces, expanded parking, sleek office suites, and dynamic digital signage designed to boost the station’s revenue stream.
Security upgrades and family‑friendly amenities are also on the agenda, promising a safer, more welcoming experience for every traveler.
At the heart of the celebration, the restored fountain now gushes clear water over its 15‑foot bronze Columbus statue, a tribute to the 1492 voyage that had been dormant since 2007.
For years the basin had become a neglected, graffiti‑splattered pit, but the recent renovation has transformed it back into a gleaming centerpiece of the plaza.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum joined Duffy for the ribbon‑cutting, marking the official reopening of Columbus Circle to the public.
Fencing that once cordoned off the area will be removed tomorrow, fully restoring public access to the revitalized space.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this restoration is part of a broader initiative to revive historic landmarks across the capital, echoing recent successes such as the revived Cascading Fountain in Meridian Hill Park.
