A fund that was set up to help Bennington State Office Building workers diagnosed with sarcoidosis is in the red.
Vermont Finance Commissioner James Reardon says the fund had a $230,000 deficit as of June 30. That the shortfall will grow by the end of the fiscal year.
But Reardon says no claims filed by six present or former employees who blame the building for their illnesses have been denied because of the deficit.
Sarcoidosis is an inflammation characterized by inflamed cells, often in the lungs. The building was closed in March 2007 and about 135 employees moved to temporary offices. The fund was established by the Vermont Legislature.