After reading the column, “Is crumbling foundation relief-fund surcharge fair?” (May 13), perhaps consideration should be given to an alternative use of the money raised from the insurance surcharge fee, which author Paul Choiniere contends will be woefully short of fixing the problem.

How about funding a contest to develop procedures and technology to replace the conventional repair process described in his column (with no payout to an unproven solution)? Innovative minds (engineering firms, universities [UConn?], individuals) outside the current business realm may do it, and the state could license the solution. The solution might also be applied to other areas, such as earthquake-prone areas needing replacement foundations.

Lee Gilbert

Nutley, New Jersey

Editor’s note: The writer is a former resident of Connecticut and graduated from New London High School and UConn Engineering.