AUGUSTA (AP) — Legislative leaders have decided to delay a decision on replacing the copper sheathing on the State House dome.
They were poised to approve the $1.2 million project Thursday, but decided they want more information about the dome’s condition.
The century-old sheathing has oxidized to a pale green color and been pockmarked over the years by hail.
David Boulter, executive director of the Legislature, tells the Portland Press Herald the copper is 30 years past its 75-year lifespan. Workers have applied sealant over the years, but it has aged to the point where holes are allowing water to reach the dome’s concrete superstructure.
Maine’s State House is one of just nine nationwide with a copper dome, and the only one in New England.
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