The company originally responsible for the demolition of the old Ogg Hall in spring 2008, Dore and Associates, is asking the state for $1.7 million in damages after being fired before the demolition was complete.
According to David Helbach, secretary of the Wisconsin State Building Commission and administrator to the Division of State Facilities, the state of Wisconsin fired the company because of several safety violations.
""They were fired for just cause and we will stand behind it,"" he said. ""They were holding workers and students in jeopardy when they were doing their work.""
According to Helbach, Dore and Associates is now filing a claim against the state of Wisconsin, claiming that the state owes them $1.7 million in damages.
The company is arguing that the time delays were the state's fault and cost the company a considerable amount of money.
Helbach said, however, the state was forced to postpone some of the demolition because of safety risks.
""The delays were not caused by the state of Wisconsin, but by [Dore and Associates] not doing their job adequately,"" he said.
Helbach said if the State Claims Board turns down their claim, the company will file a lawsuit.
