What will the DC reflecting pool cost to repair - and who pays for it?

Ahead of America's 250th anniversary, the iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is undergoing a major overhaul — and the cost of that work is raising questions in Washington.

Costs are reportedly rising significantly on the project, which was ordered by President Donald Trump as part of his beautification plan for the nation's capital.

Trump has been sued over the reflecting pool project, though reconstruction is ongoing, with the president calling it necessary because of the pool being "filthy."

But how much will the facelift cost, and who is paying for it? Here's what to know.

How much will reflecting pool renovations cost?

Trump originally said in April the renovation of the pool, which included sandblasting, caulking and resurfacing, would cost $1.5 million.

But that estimation, The New York Times reported, has grown tremendously.

The Virginia contracting firm Atlantic Industrial Coatings will now receive $13.1 million to repair the reflecting pool, the Times reported.

The firm previously worked on the swimming pools at Trump's Sterling, Virginia, golf club and was awarded a no-bid contract last month. The Interior Department reportedly added $6.2 million to the existing contract last week.

In a statement to USA TODAY, the Department of the Interior said it is "proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come."

Who is paying for the reflecting pool renovations?

While the Trump administration has relied on private donations for his other high-profile projects — such as the ballroom addition to the White House — the reflecting pool overhaul is being funded through the Department of the Interior's existing budget.

This means the $13.1 million price tag is being footed by federal taxpayers.

Critics, including the Cultural Landscape Foundation, have noted that because the pool underwent a massive $34 million taxpayer-funded renovation in 2012, the new project is an unnecessary use of government resources.

The Trump administration is pushing to finish the project before this summer's semiquincentennial celebrations.