Asbestos Test Closes Aspen Government Offices

A Pitkin County government office building in Aspen, Colo., has been closed for asbestos testing after a preliminary check showed the material was present.

County officials say tests began Tuesday and the building will remain closed until the air quality is deemed safe.

The building includes offices of the county clerk and recorder, county manager, county attorney and other departments, as well as the county commissioners’ meeting room.

The 64 people who work there were told to stay home Tuesday while arrangements were made for them to work elsewhere.

Officials say their top priorities are to find temporary space for the county clerk’s operations and the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority.

The asbestos was found during a routine check before a planned remodeling project.