Local building officials blame contractors’ cost-cutting measures for unresolved plumbing system issues at New Orleans’ unfinished $1.3-billion airport terminal. According to a Kenner, La., audit, Hunt-Gibbs-Boh-Metro joint venture, the project’s construction manager at-risk, installed foundation slab-mounted sewage pipe hangers at 3-ft intervals in an effort to economize. The city had recommended 2-ft spacing to accommodate expected subsidence of the poor soils. Nearly 130 pipeline breaks, resulting from settlement of as much as 10 in., have required numerous slab openings to effect repairs. Airport officials say the terminal will open in October, more than 18 months later than originally scheduled.