FARMINGTON -- The city's potential partnership with a local water district for a new reservoir is taking on greater significance as city officials explore financing for a new development at Station Park.
City officials have begun negotiations with Benchland Water District to be part of a new reservoir project on the city's east side, which could provide needed fill for the city's "road to the north" and possibly trim as much as $600,000 off the city's financial commitment for the road project. That team concept recently ran into some obstacles, which could change the dynamics for both projects.
The U.S. Forest Service reportedly wants to examine plans for the reservoir in depth. That could delay the project until at least spring 2010. In the meantime, city officials have to move forward with the road project.
Another issue is looming that could be an even bigger obstacle.
Councilman David Hale, who sits on the board of Benchland, recently said the reservoir project is no longer on the fast track because of a potential $400,000 cost to relocate power lines for construction of a structure that would provide water for some residents in Farmington, Fruit Heights and Kaysville.
Hale suggested the expense of moving the lines is a major obstacle and city officials should consider some form of "sweetening the pot" to make sure the combined effort on the reservoir moves forward -- because of what it means for the city's road project.
Mayor Scott Harbertson has said he will try to set up a meeting with Benchland officials in the near future to discuss potential obstacles and opportunities.
The mayor admits he was discouraged about the possible reservoir delay when Hale first brought up the $400,000 obstacle, but said a call by City Manager Max Forbush to the Forest Service has renewed his optimism.
Forbush distributed a handout at a recent council meeting, suggesting that without the Benchland project, city officials can expect to spend as much as $3.1 million to build a new road connecting to Station Parkway near Burke Lane. With the district's involvement, however, the cost is projected at $2.5 million. City officials have already spent $125,000 on the road project and have set aside another $550,000 to help finance the plan.
The city manager has also drawn an outline for a city bonding proposal, suggesting city officials may bond for as much as $3 million by April 2010 to fund the road project.
Harbertson admits he does not like the idea of bonding, but remains optimistic the city is moving forward on a project at Station Park, which will be a boon to the city.
Years in the making, Station Park has been promoted as a transit-oriented development with a mix of retail, entertainment, restaurant, office and hotel space. Development projections have included a six-story hotel, about 60 shops and 10 to 15 restaurants.
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