The makers of AstroTurf have filed for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy protection and reportedly will soon go out of business.

The filing by Southwest Recreational Industries marks the climax of a long decline for the Leander, Texas-based company that once dominated the artificial turf industry.

The bankruptcy casts uncertainty over projects scheduled across the country -- including a turf replacement at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

In its bankruptcy filing, the Austin-area company says it'll sell two small divisions that make portable sports flooring and equipment for volleyball, gymnastics and basketball.

Otherwise, S-R-I says it'll discontinue business in the next few weeks after it finishes projects already begun.

AstroTurf was developed for the Astrodome in 1966 by the Monstanto Company. S-R-I bought AstroTurf Industries in 1994 from the bankrupt Balsam Corporation in Saint Louis.