Cajundome Faces Massive Cleanup

The Cajundome in Lafayette, La., which served as an evacuee center for almost two months in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, needs a multimillion-dollar freshening up before it can reopen for public use as planned January 2nd, according to venue officials.

Director Greg Davis said November 15th that FEMA has agreed to cover repair and cleanup costs estimated at up to $3.2 million as well as $1.1 million in lost revenue for the 58 days the facility housed as many as 17,000 evacuees.

“Essentially, we had a 24-hour event that lasted for 58 days,” Davis said, adding there was no vandalism.

FEMA has already reimbursed the ‘Dome for about $3.3 million in expenses including utility bills, labor and daily cleaning.