Lutyens was approached after economic difficulties had led to the original memorial project being halted.

But now, sharp pencils are out as officials scramble to impose a $500 million budget on the memorial project.

He wanted the jurors to think about the memorial project in a broader context, he said.

Partially as a result, many memorial projects had to be cut back or altered due to lack of money.

The museum's turbulent history has been matched by difficulties with the other two memorial projects.

Now I can go ahead with the memorial project.

And I'm pleased that I had such good news to tell you about the memorial project.

For one thing, the above-ground museum has now been folded into the memorial project.

The memorial projects were eventually toned down, and the budget was cut to $530 million.

Among many of the volunteers and donors connected to the memorial project, though, the damage has already been done.