By: Amelia Bodge, Staff Writer
Last weekend, the underground fire main going through Woodbury Student Center burst, shutting down the center for approximately two weeks. Some areas of the building experienced up to 6 inches of flooding. It was responded to immediately by campus staff and the Portland Fire Department. Engineers were brought in to determine the cause and repair the damage.
Nancy Griffin, Chief Operations Officer reported in an email to the USM community on Sept. 26 that a “2-inch hole” was found “about 8 feet down and encased in concrete.” The hole moved enough water and dirt to fill up to 6 inches of mud in Woodbury in all areas except the dining hall and kitchen. According to Griffin, the teams should be able to repair the hole then they will work to get the fire main and the fire system running again. “This is our top priority right now,” she said.
In the meantime, all programs and facilities housed in Woodbury have been relocated. The food pantry has been moved to 147 Luther Bonney and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. President Cummings, Dean Jo Williams and Sodexo each donated $200 for a combined total of $600 to replace food damaged during the flooding.
The University Bookstore has been relocated to the first floor study room in Glickman Library. Students who have ordered books can now pick them up there.
The meditation and prayer space has been relocated to 714 Glickman.
Student Government Association has been relocated to 212 Abromson.
An open space for students is being set up in Sullivan.
Student Affairs/Dean of Students and the Diversity Center have not been officially relocated, but alternative locations are being explored.
Woodbury was the main source for hot meals on the Portland Campus but some alternative hot meal options are in the works.
Dining services will be offering alternative meal options until Woodbury Food Court and Cafe reopens. Meal equivalency can be used at Luther Bonny, Maine Law Cafe and the Glickman Library Starbucks. The meal equivalency will include a cold entrée (salad or sandwich), two sides (a fruit cup, breakfast bar, chips, cookie) and a beverage (hot coffee or bottled beverage).
A BBQ will be offered to students on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the Community Garden. The Green to Go Program in Brooks Dining Hall on the Gorham Campus is available for students to prepare and pack meals to take to Portland for the day.
Hot breakfast sandwiches and soup are available in Luther Bonney and Maine Law School Cafe.
Students who were employed at Woodbury Campus Center are instructed to contact their supervisors to get more information about where they will be transferred to.
Updates will be made when more information becomes available.