NEW USTA TENNIS CENTER AT FLUSHING TO COST UP TO $254M

          The cost of building the new U.S. Tennis Center in
     Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, NY, has increased to $254M, up
     from its previous $227M estimate, according to Richard
     Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES.  Sandormir adds, "that is not
     guaranteed to be the final figure."  The most recent
     increases "stem from various factors, including putting back
     design and construction elements eliminated to reduce costs
     several years ago."  USTA President Harry Marmion said the
     tennis center will cost NYC taxpayers "nothing."  The USTA
     will pay $1.2M a month to repay the $150M in 30-year bonds
     issued by the city.  The rest will come from money diverted
     from the USTA's general fund (N.Y. TIMES, 6/26).