NEW: Dunstan says he'd spend Shelter Care money on levees, if he could
Backers of the 333 S. Main St. home have charged that Dunstan and county officials are closing the century-old facility to access its funds allotted in the county budget, about $1.7 million this year. About $5 million was earmarked to build a new shelter facility.
Lawyer John J. Ammann, who filed the suit to keep the home open this week, at a press conference said it was long suspected the closure was tied to required levee repairs, but had no proof.The federal government is threatening to designate the region a flood zone if several area levees aren't repaired, which could cost up to $180 million. That would cause higher insurance rates. County officials have struggled to find funding for the fixes, and are considering a new sales tax.
Asked later if he would shift funds out of Shelter Care for repairs once the program closes, Dunstan said county rules don't allow for it. But he also said it makes more sense to use that money to protect the region from floodwaters than for housing three dozen residents.
"If I had a choice, I'm taking the levee that protects thousands of people," he said.
For more about lawsuit and Dunstan's comments, read the Sunday edition of the Suburban Journals.
