Caps off $85 million project: Work has resumed on an $85 million renovation of the Louisiana Superdome that will result in more seats, more concession stands and a spruced up appearance overall. The work, part of the 15-year lease extension between the Saints and the state, is the final phase of the Superdome’s renovation project for the 36-year-old building, which was wrecked by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The work will add 3,500 seats in the lower bowl of the stadium, widen the plaza concourse from 18 feet to 60 feet and build more club lounges. The renovation paved the way for the Super Bowl to return to New Orleans; the Crescent City will host the 2013 game.
Plan for Grambling work nixed: Jerry Jones, Gov. Bobby Jindal’s facilities planning chief, says he’s worried some state agencies are trying to get around the construction budgeting process by declaring their building problems as emergencies. If considered an emergency, construction can be funded through the state Interim Emergency Board outside of the legislative session—and bypass the construction budget process called “capital outlay.” The emergency board has agreed with Jones, and voted against $200,000 in funding for pumps to drain water out of a library basement at Grambling State University. The Interim Emergency Board is a panel of lawmakers and other state officials who can approve certain types of emergency funding. Board action must be approved through mailed ballot by the Legislature. A two-thirds vote is needed.
