### Army to Cover Costs of Potential Damage from Military Parade in D.C.

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Army will assume financial responsibility for any damages that might occur to the streets maintained by D.C. during the upcoming military parade, confirmed Mayor Muriel Bowser. The parade is set for Saturday to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

Despite the Army's commitment, there are ongoing concerns about possible delays in reimbursement. Mayor Bowser mentioned that the city hasn't calculated the potential cost of damages yet. However, an estimate by NBC Washington indicates that the extensive military equipment could potentially cause around $16 million in damage to the city's roads.

"We hope there's no damage," Mayor Bowser expressed. "We recognize the significance of the Army's 250th anniversary, which will include large vehicles both on the ground and in the air. I advise D.C. residents to stay informed about the event activities. If road damages occur, we will work to repair them promptly."

In an effort to minimize damage, Army spokeswoman Heather J. Hagan stated that tanks involved in the parade will be equipped with new rubber tracks. Additionally, one-inch thick steel plates will be used at road turning points as a precautionary measure.

The overall cost of the parade, which runs into the millions, includes repair costs for any potential damage. Mayor Bowser assured that, in case of damages, the city would "work with [the Army] as we do for all national security events to ensure reimbursement."

During a recent preview of the city's summer events, Mayor Bowser acknowledged the attention given to mitigating road damage but noted her ongoing concerns. "These roads are primarily local, and if they're rendered unusable, it will be our responsibility to repair them and seek reimbursement from the federal government," she emphasized. The Mayor affirmed the city's commitment to maintaining a functional road network throughout the event.

Mayor Bowser indicated that while she hadn't finalized her plans for the event, she "would definitely go to the Army 250." She likened the parade to the "massive air show and display of equipment" similar to Truck Touch, a popular D.C. event where children can explore municipal vehicles like snow plows and police helicopters.