With a whopping $150 million estimated price tag in 2009, presidential inaugurations are far from cheap. This year, totals for the event have already climbed sky high, but a concrete total is tricky to work out.
With an expected crowd of 800,000 vs. 2009's 1.5 million, totals were expected to be lower. However, costs for big-ticket items like security are still undetermined. Until final numbers are available, here's what we do know about who's paying for what in 2013.
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
- What they pay for: The actual swearing-in ceremony
- Budget: Around $1.2 million, according to JCCIC
- 2009 Budget: Around $1.2 million
Presidential Inaugural Committee
- What they pay for: The events surrounding the actual ceremony, such as the parade and balls
- Budget: The number is still fluid as final decisions are being made, but PIC will say it will be less than the 2009 budget. This money comes from private donations, not the government.
- 2009 Budget: $55 million, PIC saved money by cutting things like the all-star concert in front of Lincoln Memorial, and two official balls instead of 10.
District of Columbia and the surrounding states
- What they pay for: Things like law enforcement, transportation and snow equipment
- DC Budget: $30 million estimate, according to the DC Mayor’s Office of Budget and Finance
- Maryland: $1.5 million estimate, according to the MD Governor’s Office
- Virginia: $3 – $5 million according to the Virginia Governor’s Office
- 2009 Budget: $75 million total for Washington, VA and MD
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