Leaks still a problem despite patch work; new $350,000 roof not expected until summer,
�If everything goes well�
By Randie Mayo
[email protected]
Staff Writer
Lately, there have been many unanticipated roof leaks in the F-Wing of the McCorkle Building of the Floyd Campus.
According to Doug Webb, director of plant operations, there have been problems with the ceiling for the past couple of years. The problem areas have been patched up five or six times because of recurring leaks.
�We had thought that the roof had been repaired enough to last another year,� Webb said. �We didn�t expect the problems we�ve been having.�
Currently, there is no money to make the repairs that are needed. �If everything goes well, we should have a new roof by next summer,� Webb said.
This problem has been a persistent one over the years. �We had the same problem in the Walraven Building for a while,� Webb said.
According to Sheila McCoy, professor of languages, major leaks occurred in F-153 earlier this summer. �Water leaked all over the computers in the language lab,� she said. �It was a big mess for a while, so we are holding our breath hoping it won�t happen again.�
Carla Patterson, assistant professor of English, had a leak in her old office in the summer of 2003. The leak was repaired, but it leaked again in the summer of 2005. �It�s frustrating and a massive inconvenience,� she said. �I also know that the college is trying to fix it.�
Brandon Pilcher, a general studies major from Silver Creek, said, �Raised tuition plus this issue of low maintenance equals regime change.�
Fixing the roof was not a top priority when projects were presented for review to the Board of Regents last year. �Next year, we plan to put fixing the ceilings as the number one priority,� Webb said.
The estimated cost of fixing the roof is 350,000 dollars. The cost of the renovation will take up to two years to complete. In addition, the college may have to borrow the money to pay for all the repairs.
�When projects are presented, a certain amount of money is given, but our needs tend to be higher,� Webb stated. �We generally request one million dollars, but usually end up getting one-third of that.� He also noted that the allotment is provided for all the campuses.
It has been 15 years since the roof was last replaced. Once repaired, it should last for another 20 years.
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