By AP
Paducah, KY – Paducah city officials have deflated a bid to make a $1.6 million air dome a permanent structure. Parks Director Mark Thompson says the 38,000-square-foot dome, being put in place for the American Quilter's Society Show and Contest in April, would have to meet permanent building codes if it were left up more than 180 days over 12 months.
City Building Inspector Joel Scarbrough says those requirements include a fire suppression system and fire alarms. Scarbrough says installing those in the air dome would be expensive.
The city's original plan was to leave the pavilion in place year around so it could be used for meetings, conventions, concerts and athletic events to compliment the convention center and Paducah Expo Center.