Committees press DES on insurance, storage and funding timeline for reception room repairs

Committee members repeatedly asked DES when the insurer would provide a coverage determination and whether DES had consulted the Attorney General's Office about coverage eligibility. Jo Agan said an insurance adjuster has inspected the damage and DES had been told a ballpark decision might arrive in early July, but the insurer remained overdue on a final answer. "We have our assistant director ... pinging them daily ... it is any day," Agan said, adding DES was "continuing to be as irritating as we can" to secure the insurer's final decision.

DES described two near-term paths: (1) if insurance coverage and existing cash suffice, DES can ship the rug directly to conservation work and begin repairs; (2) if insurance does not cover the full cost, DES would move the rug to climate-controlled storage locally and seek additional legislative appropriation. DES said storage can preserve the rug for an estimated six to 12 months under controlled temperature and humidity while awaiting funding or insurance resolution.

Committee members urged legal review and cautioned against relying solely on the insurer's initial determination. Senator Marco Elias and others asked DES to aim for a restoration timetable that would allow legislative participation in any unveiling during the 2027 legislative session. DES pledged to provide updates to the committee once the insurer issues its decision.