 |
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
MHCC's 'Grand Canyon' to remain open for near future
The Advocate
More than a year after an electrical malfunction caused shutdown of the Gresham campus, the status of the pit dug between the College Center and the Visual Arts Center remains uncertain.
The hole was dug in the firs t week of April 2010 after water entered the main electrical cabinet, shutting down the system and forcing a closure of the campus.
Maintenance workers dug the hole to divert water from electrical conduits that provide power for the college.
"We have no (immediate) plans for the hole," said Dick Byers, director of facilities management, on the future of the pit. "There has been no discussion between facilities (department) and the administration," he added.
Asked about this strategy, Byers said, "We are engaged in developing an electrical system replacement design and any work performed on that hole now could be money wasted when the new design is realized and installed."
According to last year's estimate from Portland General Electric officials, replacing the college's electrical system could cost upwards of $2 million.
In a budget forum last year, President John Sygielski said the PGE officials recommended that work on the electrical system be done soon, saying repairs might occur in summer 2010.
Asked about a timeline for this new system or repairs, Byers said, "That depends on what type of phasing or plan the board might approve. It could be any time between September of this year and next year."
As for any problems that might arise from the hole being exposed to the elements, Byers said complications are "not likely."
The Advocate reserves the right to not publish comments based on their appropriateness.