Makeover Begins For MOUNT RUSHMORE

(From The USA Today)

A crew began to wash the granite faces of MOUNT RUSHMORE, removing decades of dirt, grime, and lichens that can damage the complexion of the four presidents. It's the first time in MOUNT RUSHMORE's 64-year history that the SOUTH DAKOTA monument is getting such a cleaning.

The five-week project is being donated by a GERMAN MANUFACTURER OF CLEANING MACHINES that has donated 80 such projects worldwide, company spokesman FRANK SCHAD said.

Sculptor GUTZON BORGLUM carved MOUNT RUSHMORE in 21 blocks of granite. PARK SERVICE workers dangle from harnesses each year to inspect and fill cracks. But lichens still develop in crevices and damage the faces of WASHINGTON, JEFFERSON, TEDDY ROOSEVELT, and LINCOLN.

Schad said the company pressure washed the base of THE STATUE OF LIBERTY two years ago and was looking for another interesting project to do in the USA.

"When they said they would do it for free, that's when we started considering having this done," said JUDY OLSON, MOUNT RUSHMORE's chief of interpretation.