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May 31, 2007

Dunk operator considers suing consultant for overrun

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
A heavy-equipment operator works in front of the Dunkin Donuts Center today tearing up the plaza to make way for the new facade.

PROVIDENCE -- Facing criticism from state lawmakers over a 31-percent cost overrun in the overhaul of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the agency that operates the arena is investigating whether it can sue the consulting firm that it says inaccurately estimated the cost of the project.

The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority today asked its legal counsel, Bruce A. Leach, of the Providence law firm Desimone and Leach, to review the feasibility study provided three years ago by the Minnesota consulting firm Ellerbe Becket.

The authority used that 106-page report in crafting its request to borrow $62 million to upgrade the civic center. The cost of that project has ballooned to $81.4 million, and the authority has asked the legislature to approve another $13.4 million in borrowing to help close that gap.

-- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 1:08 PM | Permalink

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