COLORADO SPRINGS – Restoration work at the Colorado Springs Airport is proving more extensive and expensive than first estimated. It is the aftermath of an accidental roof fire back in April.
The first assessment was around $5 million in damage. “Our estimate right now is that the full cost of the recovery will be in the neighborhood of seven to seven and a half million dollars,” said Director of Aviation, Greg Phillips.
The fire was put out in close to 45 minutes. The automatic sprinklers did more damage than flames. “Ran with an inch and half line, at120-pound pressure for four hours. And that soaked through to the second floor, soaked through to the first floor,” said Phillips. As crews tore away roofs and ceiling they found smoke damage had spread extensively through the airport’s ventilation system.
More damage than first thought brings a higher price than the original estimate. City statute requires city council to authorize large expenses like this. In this case, it is not money from the city’s general fund. “We’ll be reimbursed from insurance proceeds,” said Phillips.
During restoration, airlines have operated with little impact to travelers. There work areas should be returned to normal in the next two months.
