The Eighth Wonder is going nowhere

It's our iconic, but vacant white elephant. The Astrodome.

And almost a year after Harris county voters rejected a tax hike to turn the Eighth Wonder of the World into an events center and a week after the Rodeo showed off a survey showing a majority liked the Rodeo's plan to demolish the Dome and turn its footprint into green space, County Judge Ed Emmett came up with a new plan.

He wants to turn the Dome into the world's largest indoor park.

"I see hiking trails and all sorts of activities," Emmett said during a recent press conference pitching the idea. "On the upper levels, an exhibit ring where traveling exhibits from museums can come in."

Emmett also said he doesn't know what the cost would be or where the money would come from.

But here's some math we can do for you.

Despite votes and surveys Emmett says he wants the Astrodome to stay.

So do Harris County Commissioners El Franco Lee and Steve Radack. That means at least three, a majority of the commissioners court, don't want to tear down the dome.

And since Harris County commissioners would have to approve any plan affecting the future of the Dome, that means the 49-year-old dilapidated Dome is here to stay.

Here's some more math we can do for you.

Emmett says the maintenance costs on the Dome are $166,000 a year. Other reports, including an estimate from the Astrodome's manager, put the annual Dome costs at closer to $2 million.

We'll get to the bottom of what the cost really is, but while the Dome remains, keep your checkbook open. You're going to keep paying for its maintenance.

Do you see something else you don't think you should be paying for? Let us know. Contact us through the online tip line to the right of this video.