PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine State House was will remain closed this week after water pipes burst, flooding the building, officials said.
The building was evacuated Monday when water flooded the first floor of the State House and the tunnel connecting it with the Cross Office Building.
The pipe that burst is reportedly part of a fire-suppression system, according to NEWS CENTER Maine reporter Don Carrigan.
Crews are working to repair the damage and "ensure lawmakers and nonpartisan staff can get back into the building to complete the people’s work as soon as possible,” Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, said.
Ryan and Jackson said Tuesday that operations were continuing remotely and that they'll be assessing the situation daily.
As of Wednesday, no members of the public, including press, would be allowed into the building because of safety concerns, according to an emailed update from Christine Kirby, communications director for Office of the Senate President.
"The machines required for drying make it difficult to navigate the hallways safely," Kirby wrote.
The legislative session on Thursday had been canceled to allow for the affected areas to be cleaned and dry properly, according to a news release. They also announced the State House would remain closed to the public for the remainder of the week.
The building is expected to be ready to reopen for the public and lawmakers to return next week, Kirby added.
NEWS CENTER Maine staff contributed to this report.
