New Bern convention center sinking into river

NEW BERN, NC (AP) — The Riverfront Convention Center in New
Bern is off-kilter.

Craven County officials say parts of the center are sinking into
the Trent River and they are working on a fix.

WCTI-TV in New Bern reports parts of the floor and patio have
sunk up to five inches.

The building’s exterior is supported by pillars driven deep in
the ground. But the floors are supported only by the silt
underneath.

The building is on land that once was part of the river. The
area was filled by old docks and building debris in the 1970s.

County commissioners are expected to decide on a repair method
next month. Officials have settled a lawsuit with the original
architects and engineers and plan to use the $1.2 million
settlement for the repairs.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)