The Smithsonian Institution, without a permanent chief since former secretary Lawrence Small resigned under a cloud earlier this year, is now being criticized for failing to maintain its buildings and protect its collections.
The Government Accountability Office issued a report yesterday saying the backlog of necessary construction at the Smithsonian has increased to $2.5 billion, mainly because the institution has sought federal funds rather than allocating private donations to the projects.
At the same time, the number of security personnel has declined, making museum holdings more vulnerable to theft and vandalism, the report said.
The Smithsonian encompasses 19 museums and galleries, nine research centers, the National Zoo and other facilities. Problems cited in the report included a leaking roof at the National Museum of African Art, and humidity problems at the at National Air and Space Museum, which caused corrosion of historic airplanes. Ongoing leaks at the zoo’s sea lion and seal pools were causing an average daily water loss of 110,000 gallons, costing $297,000 annually.
Acting secretary Cristian Samper pledged that that trustees would submit a plan by the end of the year for ways to pay for needed improvements. Samper assumed the secretary position after it was revealed that Small had received $2 million for housing allowances and business expenses.
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