Blue Ridge Pipeline Update

Monday, December 19th marked the deadline for disputing a positive environmental assessment of the $34 million Blue Ridge pipeline.  This marked the last hurdle blocking this project which will more than double Payson's long-term water supply.

This is a very positive impact toward bringing a college campus to Payson.  This will make way for Forest Service officials to move another step closer to selling the Rim Country Educational Alliance (SLE) the 260 acres that has been earmarked for the university campus.   Before the Forest Service was able to move forward with the land sale they had to wait for the expiration of the protest period on the pipeline.

Engineering plans for the 15 mile long pipeline are nearly completed and the town is expected to seek construction bids in January or February so that the estimated 12 to 18 month construction project can begin in early spring with water delivery expected in 2014.  This is the same time that the Alliance hopes to open the first phase of an ultimately 6,000 student university campus.