Costs for the repair of the L.A. Coliseum have risen to a
projected $92.7M, 50% higher than estimates in September, and
two-and-a-half times more than the original estimate. For the
first time, FEMA is saying that federal and state earthquake
relief funds will not pay for the entire project. Items such as
expanded concession areas, steel-reinforced beams providing
seismic strength for the current structure and eventual luxury
boxes on the stadium's rim are cited as "ineligible for
reimbursement." Coliseum Commission President Yvonne Brathwaite
Burke said if there are improvements beyond basic repair, "there
won't be a government payment, but that's something that has to
be negotiated, we don't always believe there has been a
betterment." The $92.7M figure is at the point where FEMA would
have recommended demolition and construction of a new facility.
Harry Ornest, Vice Chairm of Hollywood Park, said a new stadium
could be constructed there for $150M. All parties stressed that
the decision for repair was made when estimates were lower
(Kenneth Reich, L.A. TIMES, 12/16).
