"Right now, we have a commitment to a policy, not confirmation of a price," Mr. Cordaro said. "If we get a reasonable policy without monstrous premiums, we’ll buy insurance."

The previous tent-like roof, which collapsed under heavy snow in February, was not insured, although "hard structures" at the performing arts center were covered.

Before the county sold the former Montage Ski Area to private firm Sno Mountain last fall, the ski resort and amphitheater were insured by a company that primarily served ski resorts. The commissioner didn’t immediately know the name of the old insurer.

Scranton-based Housing and Redevelopment Insurance Exchange, the county’s general liability insurance carrier, now covers the amphitheater, and will monitor construction of the new roof to develop a coverage quote. Mr. Cordaro said he didn’t know why the tent wasn’t covered, whether it was because the prior insurer wouldn’t take the risk or whether the previous administration felt coverage wasn’t worth the cost - a judgment the administration will soon have to make.

Maximum cost of the new, British-made canvas will be $1.2 million. Mr. Cordaro said some of the material has arrived in the United States by ship, with the balance expected to arrive by plane. It has not reached Scranton yet, he said, delayed for customs clearance.

Crews are finishing deconstruction of the old canvas structure and safety testing of support poles this week. Pending receipt of a building permit, officials hope to work on the new canvas infrastructure late this week or early next week.

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