White House South Lawn to Get New Granite Helipad
President Donald Trump announced the construction of a new granite helipad on the White House South Lawn. The project, estimated to cost up to $6 million and privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, is intended to accommodate new, more powerful Marine…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 6, 2026 —
A new granite helipad is slated for construction on the White House South Lawn, a project announced by President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to address landing challenges faced by newer, more powerful Marine One helicopters.
The existing infrastructure on the South Lawn has proven inadequate for the latest generation of presidential aircraft. Issues related to heat and downdraft generated by the more powerful engines have previously prevented the helicopters from safely landing on the lawn.
The new helipad is expected to cost up to $6 million. Funding for this project will be provided privately by Sikorsky Aircraft, the manufacturer of the Marine One helicopters. The contractor’s name was not provided. The permit status for the construction was not provided. Inspection outcomes were not provided. Code violations were not provided. Fine amounts were not provided.
The construction of the granite helipad is intended to provide a stable and suitable landing area, ensuring that the new Marine One helicopters can operate directly from the White House grounds. Details regarding the timeline for construction were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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