Dirty dome, budget cuts blamed for Washington Capitol leaks

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A dirty dome is blamed for leaks at the Capitol in Olympia.

State Department of Enterprise Services spokesman Jim Erskine says with cleaning postponed by budget cuts, it's possible mold and grime are widening cracks in the mortar and allowing water into the building.

The Olympian reports (http://is.gd/DG7TT7 ) the Capitol is supposed to be cleaned every five years. The last cleaning was in 2004. The 2009 maintenance was put off to save money.

Erskine says leaks have been spotted throughout the building.

A two-man inspection crew rappelled down the Dome Wednesday looking for places water may be seeping.

The Legislature has set aside nearly $1 million for inspection and repairs.