In a “strongly-worded†letter sent to him by Senator Diane Feinstein (D-Cal), Architect of the Capitol Steven Ayers was asked to explain how his agency is addressing ongoing problems related to the deteriorating utility tunnels that run beneath Capitol Hill.
According to an article in The Hill newspaper, Feinstein expressed concern in her letter to Ayers, noting that the AoC has not adequately confronted tunnel hazards nor worker health concerns.
“Worker health and safety must be of the utmost concern to the AoC, and to the Capitol Hill community,†Feinstein wrote. “Therefore, I ask you [to] raise the priority of this matter and proceed as fast as possible.â€Â
The AoC countered with a statement saying that the clean-up of the asbestos-ridden tunnels remains a top priority.
“The AoC remains fully committed to ensuring employee safety, to solving the utility tunnel issues, and to keeping Congress informed of our progress,†AoC spokeswoman Eva Malecki said.
The article also reports that Feinstein questioned the AoC’s handling of $27.6 million for tunnel repairs appropriated in an emergency action passed last April.
“I would like to know how you have allocated that appropriation and how [you] would allocate your FY2008 request for tunnel repairs,†she wrote.
Malecki replied to the inquiry by noting that $25 million of the $27.6 million in emergency supplemental funding has been obligated.
Feinstein says she would like to see a “specific asbestos abatement plan and a specific timeline for fixing these problems.â€Â
“The plan should include your actions to protect the employees who work in the tunnels and ameliorate all of the conditions for which citations have been issued.â€Â
