It’s still unclear who will pay $35-$53K to remove water from Alton’s sinkhole

Key Takeaways:

• The sinkhole is located in Gordon Moore Park, Alton.
• Estimated de-watering costs range from $35,000 to $53,000.
• Alton’s attorney asked New Frontier Materials to cover these costs.
• No inspection can occur until the water is removed.
• The question of financial responsibility remains unresolved.

Overview of the Sinkhole

A large sinkhole at Gordon Moore Park in Alton has become the center of a costly dilemma. Draining water from the hole so engineers can conduct a thorough inspection carries a hefty price tag, estimated between $35,000 and $53,000.

Cost and Responsibility

The city’s attorney recently approached New Frontier Materials, requesting that it finance the effort to “de-water” the sinkhole. According to the city’s plan, government-contracted engineers can only determine the cause—and potential solutions—once the water is removed. As of now, it is still unclear which party will ultimately agree to shoulder the expense.

The Inspection Delay

Until the sinkhole is fully drained, professional evaluations cannot move forward. City officials are concerned that any delay in inspection could lead to longer-term risks or more expensive remediation measures. For residents and local authorities, the hole remains a pressing problem, sitting in a prominent public park.

Looking Ahead

For now, the de-watering process lacks a committed funding source. Whether New Frontier Materials will foot the bill or if Alton will need to find another way remains uncertain. The resolution will determine when the sinkhole can finally be inspected—and, ultimately, how this unusual park problem might be fixed.