Asbestos cleanup is an investment for El Paso County

El Paso, TX - County Commissioners have approved an asbestos cleanup project to be funded by tax dollars at a former amusement park

It has taken several weeks, but commissioners have finally voted to spend up to $232,478 in taxpayers' money to renovate the former Western Playland Amusement Park in Ascarate Park. The project will include removing exposed asbestos and almost everything at the site except for the restrooms, a concession stand, and the pavilion.

In its present state, the non-operational park costs the county about $200,000 a year. Commissioner Veronica Escobar, who has Ascarate Park in her precinct, said the county hopes to change this trend by reopening the park and using it for new purposes. Once the renovation is complete, the county plans to rent out the pavilion to generate revenue.

County Judge Anthony Cobos, the only person who voted against the investment, said the money could've been saved if the county had agreed to a settlement with Western Playland owner Pat Thomson last year. He also noted that a private company had placed a bid to perform abatement and renovation work on the site.

However, Commissioner Escobar pointed out that in the proposed settlement with Mr. Thomson, the county was still responsible for paying the cleanup costs of the park which was estimated to be over $200,000. In addition, the company Judge Cobos referred to had quoted the county about $400,000 for their work.
Commission Escobar is still confident that the county can recoup money for the project from Mr. Thomson, who she feels should be held accountable for leaving the asbestos mess at the park.

The renovation project is expected to finish within 90 days.

To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form :

**For a FREE information packet including treatments, clinical trials, and specialists, please complete the form above or call a Mesothelioma Web coordinator at 1-877-367-6376.

News

Resources

If you would like to receive a FREE information packet or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at:

Toll-Free 1-877-367-6376