Fairbanks Assembly takes up $837,000 more for Wescott Pool as hidden concrete damage extends closure

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly approved more than $837,000 in additional spending Thursday to address concrete that failed beneath the Wescott Pool deck. The borough had publicly estimated a September 2026 reopening when it closed the facility March 16. A revised substantial completion date of November 3 keeps the pool closed through the entire summer season.

The Assembly approved a $276,722 change order for Orion Construction and a separate $560,000 budget amendment. The two actions raise the overall project estimate from $11.7 million to $12.26 million. The change order brings the Phase IIB contract total to $2,554,356.

Public Works Director David Bredlie told the Assembly the contingency fund has been nearly depleted by unforeseen conditions during Phase 2 construction. The borough administration framed the added spending as necessary after the failed concrete required full replacement and new deck drains, work outside the original scope.

Change order documents show the substantial completion date was originally set for August 21, 2026, and had been revised to October 4 before this latest change order pushed it to November 3. Summer recreation users will see no benefit from the facility this season while the borough funds the remainder of repairs.