Judge Rules that Air Force Must Pay for Cleanup at Colorado Base

MILITARY PAYS

By Headwaters News, 3-07-07

As reported today in the Denver Rocky Mountain News, a U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge ruled that the U.S. Air Force must pay back developers for costs associated with cleaning up asbestos at a former military base in Colorado that is being redeveloped into homes.

Developers at the former Lowry base near Denver bought the land in 2001 from the Lowry Redevelopment Authority before later finding out that the soil was contaminated with asbestos. The developers unsuccessfully requested the federal government pay for the cleanup before suing the Air Force.

The ruling, which could force the military agency to pay developers as much as $9 million, could have nationwide implications. The military plans to shut down 22 bases, many of which could also be redeveloped into housing. This ruling sets a precedent about who will pay for cleanup costs of those bases. But Air Force officials are likely to appeal the decision.

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By Headwaters News, 3-07-07 | add comment | email story | print story

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