<cording to an email sent out to the Carleton community last night, the current damage estimate from the September flood stands at $5.5 million, with an expected maximum coverage by insurance only covering $4.3 million. These numbers, however, are still just early estimates and as college officials continue to plan their course of action, it is possible that these cost estimates could drop. College officials are planning to make up some of the difference between damage costs and insurance coverage by pursuing a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as potentially filing a claim with the state. It is still too soon to know how much of an effect the flood could have on budgetary planning.
As for Carleton facilities, many have returned to proper working order while others have not been so lucky. The second and third floors of Laird Stadium will be opened tomorrow; plans are starting to reconstruct the lower level of the Stadium, which will still be closed. Since the playing field is in good shape, and the scoreboard is working, the Knights final home game of the season, October 30 against St. John’s, will be played at home.
Work to fix West Gym has also been going according to schedule, and college officials are hopeful that West Gym will be open in time to host the first basketball game of the season on December 1.
Currently work is being performed to re-insulate the air intake and ventilation systems as well as clean up the equipment room. New pumps for the pool have arrived and are waiting to be installed.
As for students displaced by the flood, two houses, Allen and Prentice houses, remain uninhabited due to mold and will remain closed through Winter Term as of now. 20 students have been affected by the closing and have been moved for the rest of the term.
By now, most of the sediment that the Cannon River deposited on West Field has been removed. Grass should be restored in the spring when they will hopefully be ready to be used again.