Agencies present preliminary concepts for new White House fence during informational presentation to the Commission of Fine Arts

Date: April 21, 2016
Contact: Nicole Mainor,  USSS, 202-406-5708
Contact: Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, NPS, 202-619-7177

(WASHINGTON) – The United States Secret Service (USSS) and National Park Service (NPS) today provided an informational presentation before the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on preliminary concepts for a new White House fence. The agencies will provide the same informational presentation to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) in May. USSS and NPS will present refined concepts for approval to both commissions later this summer.

The preliminary long-term fence concept presented today is part of a phased approach to enhance security of the White House and its environs. The initial phase focuses on the fence around the White House and its immediate grounds. Later this summer, the USSS and NPS will provide an informational presentation before the commissions on preliminary concepts for an updated fence around the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Eisenhower Executive Office Building— phase two of the effort. A phased approach allows the agencies to address priority needs as expeditiously as possible.

The preliminary concept for the fence around the White House and grounds considers a taller and stronger fence that incorporates anti-climb and intrusion detection technology, while respecting the historical significance and visitor experience at the White House.

There are still several additional steps before construction could begin on a new fence, and a timeline is not concrete. The agencies currently expect construction of the complex perimeter fence will begin in 2018.

In May 2015, the USSS and NPS began implementing a series of temporary security enhancements and aesthetic improvements for the White House complex. These temporary security measures to E Street, NW, the Ellipse and the removable anti-climb feature installed on the top of the White House fence, have provided enhanced protection for the White House and will remain in place until the long-term solutions are fully implemented.

The USSS and NPS take the security of the White House seriously. The agencies have been working hand-in-hand, and collaborating with other federal partners, to develop appropriate enhancements that satisfy their individual missions — ensuring the security of the White House and its occupants and keeping the White House and grounds as accessible as possible to the public.