Smithsonian says its treasures are threatened by floods, storms, and climate change

– as Congress hears more alarms.

Two of the Smithsonian’s structures most at risk are the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History.

Senior Smithsonian officials will testify before Congress Thursday the forces of climate change, from the inexorable rise of the Potomac River to flooding near the core of the National Mall, pose an increasing threat to vulnerable treasures of the nation. . .

“Our deferred maintenance backlog, currently estimated at over $1 billion, further jeopardizes the safety of our facilities and collections,” said Nancy J. Bechtol, director of Smithsonian facilities.'

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/smithsonian-says-treasures-threatened-floods-storms-climate-change-congress/65-075ac912-6aad-4364-9b50-2473bc20a676?