|
The demolition project for Jackson's new elementary school faces delay and additional expenses after asbestos was found in the building on Friday.
After the building was found unsafe two years ago, especially in an earthquake, the state facilities commission allowed to shell out 17-million dollars to build the district a new elementary school. But the project has been withheld at least for one week after the discovery of carcinogen. The asbestos removal will cost a minimum of $70,000.
"Three firms have sent five people to inspect the building for asbestos and the most recent was the first to discover asbestos pipes running below the school," the Teton County School District facilities manager Kevin Thibeault told the school board Wednesday night
According to Thibeault, the asbestos found was not airborne. However, there is a chance for it to be airborne when it's been disturbed during the demolition. Asbestos is dangerous only if it is airborne. If the asbestos easily granulates or crushes and becomes airborne when it’s dry, the project will be significantly more expensive and time-consuming than estimated. Thibeault said it would cost about $200,000 and it's not predictable how much more time it would add to the construction of new school.
"The State Facilities Commission will pay for the asbestos removal. The state's budget is $17 million for the new Jackson Elementary construction project. We can’t spend $17 million on the demolition of this building," Thibeault said.
The district can return to the state and ask for more money next year. As per schedule, the new school will be finished in the winter of 2009.
|
 |
|
