Earthquake repairs at Anchorage schools could top $150M

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Repairs and upgrades at Anchorage-area schools damaged in an earthquake could cost more than $150 million.

The Anchorage Daily News reported Monday that the Anchorage School District says the new estimate triples the original assessment of damage caused by the Nov. 30 quake.

District officials say two schools need more than $20 million to repair and improve seismic performance.

Officials say six schools may require at least $10 million while improvement projects at 14 schools could cost at least $1 million each.

District Chief Operating Officer Tom Roth says the estimates include immediate repairs needed and optional improvements that would improve the quake readiness of schools.

Roth says the district has spent between $8 million and $9 million so far on post-quake repairs to return facilities to working condition.

Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com