By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile, AL – Mobile County school officials say construction projects that were scheduled for completion through 2006 could be delayed, or they could cost more money than originally anticipated because of Hurricane Ivan. Since Ivan hit in Spetember, there has been a high demand and low supply of contractors and building supplies, especially roofing material. Ivan caused $3.5 million in actual damages to schools, but officials say it could also affect millions of dollars worth of the construction projects that are part of the final phase of Mobile County schools' largest building campaign ever. The estimates come after school officials already announced that the new Blount High School in Prichard will probably not be finished in time for students to move in this January, as was planned. The school board had also previously cut projects and increased its overall construction budget because of rising steel, natural gas and fuel costs.