CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — State lawmakers in Wyoming have helped remove ice and snow from the Wyoming State Capitol following a historic winter storm that brought about 31 inches (80 centimeters) of snow to Cheyenne last weekend.
Republican House Speaker Eric Barlow, who lives near the building, learned from a security official on Sunday that water was dripping onto the House floor from the chamber’s skylight because of a vent that was blown open, allowing snow to get inside the building, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported.
Barlow called Republican Rep. Barry Crago, another lawmaker who lives nearby, to help him get rid of the ice and snow built up inside the ceiling vent.
We have a leak or two.
Photo credit: Rep Andy Schwartz of Teton County.
Posted by Representative Andi Clifford, HD 33, Wyoming, D on Monday, March 15, 2021
“He came in, and we spent a solid eight hours removing snow and ice and blocking off the vent, which was allowing it to blow in on Sunday,” Barlow said Tuesday. “Capitol staff couldn’t get here, and we could, so we hopefully took care of what we could in a meaningful way and prevented further damage.”
Barlow and Crago, who was later joined in the cleanup effort by Republican Sen. Affie Ellis, eventually sealed up the vent with plywood.
Efforts continued on Monday when lawmakers learned there was some ice stuck in the ceiling of the Senate chamber. Barlow joined Republican Senate President Dan Dockstader in removing it.
Legislative staff said damage to the ceiling and the chamber floors was minimal. But the legislative session was slightly delayed because lawmakers did not convene Monday or Tuesday.
The Legislature is expected to resume activities on Wednesday. Some lawmakers could participate virtually.
