Bears' asbestos removal at Soldier Field sends costs soaring

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Bears' asbestos cost soars

February 16, 2002

The cost of removing asbestos at the soon-to-be-renovated Soldier Field has

more than doubled--from $4 million to $10 million--but contingency funds

built into the project will more than cover the cost without construction

delays, officials said Friday. Park District Supt. Doig said the

asbestos was discovered in the bowels of the stadium beneath the seating

bowl, nowhere near public areas. Abatement, under the direction of the

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, is expected to take six weeks

while demolition continues. Bahlman, president of the Landmarks

Preservation Council of Illinois, predicted that the $10 million price tag

for asbestos removal would be the first of many cost overruns on the $606

million project. After the unspecified contingency fund runs out, the Bears

are obliged to cover costs.