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Main >> News Listing >> July 2004 >> Article ID 5402
 $7M watercourse finally runs again | Type: Internet Article |
| | $7M watercourse finally runs again | Jul 10, 2004 | by Alyson Walls
The water has been turned back on for the problem-plagued $7 million "watercourse" that runs along 10th Street at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Workers began filling the watercourse, which features cascading pools along a walkway to the Allegheny River, around 11 a.m. Friday in anticipation of the "Elements" event starring Christina Aguilera. But the event was cancelled.
Earlier this year, the watercourse leaked and had to be shut off. Problems also occurred this spring rains and melting snow made the Allegheny River rise. The watercourse had to be cleaned of debris and sediment and drained to prevent damage to the pumps. The convention center and watercourse were designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects of New York.
City-county Sports & Exhibition Authority Executive Director Mary Conturo has said the authority spent $7,500 on repairs to the fountain this year, with all of the work done in-house. She was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Officials now think most of the bugs have been worked out, and they plan on running the fountain during special events.
SEA Board Chairman Mark Schneider laughed when asked about the troublesome watercourse and said he is amazed it has been the source of news reports.
"We see this as the normal commissioning process for a water feature of this scale," Schneider said. "We're just trying to make sure everything is working properly."
Of the earlier problems, Schneider said the watercourse could have been rushed to completion, and turned on before it was ready.
"We can assure the public that it's going to work," he said.
Schneider said the watercourse is a nice addition to the convention center, and officials would like to see it up and running daily.
"Clearly, with our operating budget the way it is, we have to be judicious in terms of using energy and water, but we think this is a great marketing tool for the building and something the public can enjoy."
The SEA took out a $20 million loan in April to cover overdue bills and the costs of special features at the convention center.
In addition to the convention center, the SEA owns PNC Park and Heinz Field, both on the North Shore; Mellon Arena in Uptown; and the Benedum Center, Downtown, which it leases to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. |
 Source: Pittsburgh Tribune Review | |
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