King Memorial Construction

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal agency that oversees planning for the nation's capital has approved a revised security plan for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial planned for the National Mall, allowing construction to begin.

The project has stalled for more than a year because of a disagreement with the National Park Service over how to secure the site against potential domestic terrorism threats.

On Monday, the National Capital Planning Commission unanimously approved a compromise plan.

It calls for an island with two elm trees and fewer metal security posts than the park service proposed.

Project architect Ed Jackson Jr. says the revised design respects King's values. He says completion is expected in 2011.

Officials say a construction permit is expected to be issued soon.