By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Officials monitoring Okla. Capitol facade
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Officials say small pieces of the state Capitol's limestone exterior facade are crumbling and falling about 50 feet to the ground on the building's southwest side.
Orange barrier fencing has been put up to prevent pedestrians from walking in the area.
Central Services Department director John Richard told The Oklahoman the facade is continuously monitored to identify any changes in the limestone's conditions.
Agency spokeswoman Sara Cowden says the damage is the result of water seeping into the walls over the years. Cowden says the nearly two months of triple-digit heat may have exacerbated the problem.
She says the agency is working with construction and design experts to determine what repairs are needed.
Gov. Mary Fallin has signed a bill that sets aside $800,000 for emergency state building repairs.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.