Kennedy Center put off planned repairs despite known structural issues, former employees allege, tell me about this news in (https://www.wral.com/news/ap/283f2-kennedy-center-put-off-planned-repairs-despite-known-structural-issues-former-employees-allege/)

Whistleblowers have alleged that officials at the Kennedy Center halted planned repairs for known structural issuesspecifically roof leaksearlier in the year, despite having received millions in congressional funding. According to a letter sent to congressional committees by a lawyer representing the anonymous former employees, the center’s director, Matt Floca, delayed addressing these issues for years.

The controversy emerged as the Trump administration and Kennedy Center leadership pointed to deteriorating conditions, such as a recent incident where a section of ceiling plaster fell in the Grand Foyer, to justify closing the venue and pushing for extensive renovations.

In response, the Kennedy Center defended its actions by stating that while leadership knew the roof overhang leaked for years, they did not realize how far the damage had spread inside until the summer. Officials maintained that the approach to delivering the work was adjusted rather than deemed unnecessary due to higher-than-expected contractor cost quotes.