Smithsonian still using poor storage facilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Smithsonian Institution continues to use substandard facilities in suburban Maryland to store important art and science collections, despite risks cited in a 2006 audit, according to the inspector general of the museum complex.

Scott Dahl testified before a congressional committee Wednesday that there are “significant risks” for artifacts stored at the Smithsonian’s Garber facility in Suitland. Many of its buildings are metal sheds with poor or nonexistent environmental controls. However, inadequate funding is limiting plans to improve the care of collections.