[CPEO-MEF] Bill for Lowry cleanup still on the table

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Colorado
THE DENVER POST
Bill for Lowry cleanup still on the table
Air Force won't pick up $10 million asbestos-removal tab
Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 12:00:00 AM MST
By Kristi Arellano

The U.S. Air Force is at odds with the state health department and the
Lowry Redevelopment Authority over plans to remove asbestos-contaminated
soil from the site.

The deadlock over the extent of the cleanup and who will pick up the
estimated $10 million tab threatens to tarnish the image of a project
that has become a national model for military base redevelopment.

Economic development officials worry that if the Air Force refuses to
pay and homebuilders are saddled with the bill, developers might start
avoiding similar redevelopment projects.

The Lowry Redevelopment Authority and 11 builders working there have
racked up an estimated $3 million in asbestos-related testing and
remediation costs, LRA Executive Director Tom Markham said.

Groundwork was halted in April when asbestos-wrapped debris from a
demolished hospital complex was discovered buried in Lowry's northwest
neighborhood.

The Air Force has acknowledged responsibility for the contamination. But
now that the health department has submitted its proposed cleanup plan
and the LRA has turned in its first bill for $1.5 million, lawmakers and
LRA officials are accusing the Air Force trying to duck its obligations.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~33~1564915,00.html

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