The administration of Arlington County, Virginia, has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, seeking to block construction of a monumental arch proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The proposed structure would stand approximately 76 metres tall and is designed to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The site selected for the project is near Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Approval process could conclude next month
According to reports, the project's approval process could be completed as early as next month, prompting local authorities to step up efforts to prevent construction from moving forward.
In its legal filing, Arlington County argues that building the monument along one of the area's busiest transport corridors would have serious consequences for residents and the surrounding community.
Officials claim the project would cause "significant harm" to the local area.
County challenges federal agencies
The lawsuit targets both the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, which are involved in reviewing and advancing the proposal.
County authorities are seeking a court intervention before final approvals are granted, as opposition to the project intensifies.
The case represents the latest obstacle facing a plan that supporters view as a major national monument but critics argue would adversely affect the surrounding community and infrastructure.
Source: Reuters / ERT
