ITHACA -- The cost of cleaning up the old Ithaca Gun Factory continues to rise. The demolition of the old factory and clean-up of the grounds is now expected to cost a half million dollars more than expected.
The increase comes after the discovery of higher levels of asbestos and barium in the brick walls of the building. The cost of the clean up which was originally $1.46 million dollars, has now jumped to $1.9 million.
Walter Hang of Toxics Targeting is concerned that the delays could threaten the project. "The biggest concern I have is we are going to get part way through and we are going to run out of money. That is now a distinct possibility," Hang says.
The city says it now hopes to have the demolition of the plant completed by the end of May.
