Flooding Creates Big Mess At State Treasurer's Building That Hasn't Been Updated Since 1920s
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Cleanup continues at the state treasurer's office after a burst pipe on the fourth floor caused major damage.
It wasn't a typical Friday night at the treasurer's office as workers conducted tests for hazardous materials. The offices charged with running a multibillion-dollar investment fund for the state was suddenly tasked with a mega mess.
Deputy State Treasurer Vince Brown showed wet walls, drenched rugs and soaked tiles now drying out a day after CBS13 cameras caught workers rolling out cartloads of water following a burst-pipe emergency.
They're concentrating on air-testing for hazardous materials such as asbestos.
"I wouldn't characterize it as fear. I would characterize it as being cautious and making sure the health and safety of all our staff was ensured and and that's part of the protocol that we adhere to. We will have additional testing over the weekend just to be sure," he said.
It's the oldest state building and it hasn't been modernized since it was built in the 1920s. It's also in the Top 5 of buildings in need of repair.
CBS 13 asked Brian Ferguson of the Department of General Services where the state was in terms of fixing old plumbing.
"The department is working with the department of finance and the governor's office and the legislature for possible inclusion in the upcoming budget," he said.
The courts and library building across the street just finished a four-year renovation, but the Department of General Services study found nine state-owned buildings in the Sacramento region alone are in poor condition.
Just three months ago CBS 13 reported on a blown pipe that ruined the legislators' and the lieutenant governor's offices. Now the deputy treasure hopes this is a call to action.
The cost of the damage done Thursday night is still being determined.
