Who should foot the repair bill for UL's Cajundome?

[Kal]

good luck getting that basic, simple concept through the brains of the people of Lafayette with regards to UL.

No joke.

[NewsCopy]

The Cajundome is in serious need of funds for repair work, equipment replacement and overall upgrading. According to the Dome's director, Greg Davis, nearly $10 million will be required during the next five years to keep the facility competitive with other arenas. Those needs must be met. The Dome is one of our most valuable assets. It has contributed immeasurably to our quality of life, generated revenue for the operation of government, boosted tourism and anchored our spot as the sports and entertainment center of Acadiana. When the Dome faces money problems, one question always surfaces: Who has financial responsibility? Should it be Consolidated Government, which operates the facility, or state government and UL, the owners of record. We submit that there are major state and local benefits, and both should participate in funding repairs and upgrading. Cajundome revenue is impressive. Direct and indirect taxes during 20 years have meant $12.2 million for Lafayette Consolidated Government and $24.5 million for the state. Lafayette Parish schools have received $9.2 million. The rest of the story