National Archives Flooded, No Records Damaged

June 26, 2006

Last night's rains have resulted in a power outage and serious flooding at
Archives I, and, as you know, we have closed the building for today and
tomorrow, Tuesday, June 27, while the damage assessment and corrections
continue.

Because of clogged storm drains along Constitution Avenue, water entered
Archives I through the east and west driveways. And because of a Pepco power
outage, which also affected a number of other Federal buildings in the area, our
pumps were not able to remove the water as it came in.

As a result, there has been water damage in the moat, the sub-basement and some
parts of the basement level of Archives I. The William G. McGowan Theater has
also suffered significant damage by flood waters, as high as the stage and the
first few rows of seats.

Emergency power is now on in the building, and the sprinkler and security
systems are continuing to be operational.

As of noon today, emergency crews were continuing to pump out the sub-basement,
so the electrical equipment located there can be restarted to restore our air
handling system throughout the building.

Our key conservators have already been in the building, and preliminary
inspection showed that there appears to be no water damage to any records in our
extensive holdings. The conservators are making preparations for continued
on-site monitoring to assure protection of the records in our holdings. And we
will be bringing in outside experts to cope with the water damage.

We are all grateful to the facilities staff and other NARA staff who remained
throughout the night at their post to contain the damage.   Their continued
efforts are helping to make the building safe not only for the vital records
stored there, but for staff, researchers, visitors.

I will keep you updated as soon as possible of further developments regarding
Archives I.  Also, please check our web site, Archives.gov. and our hotline,
301-837-0700 for up to date information.

ALLEN WEINSTEIN
Archivist of the United States