August 30, 1999

The owners of the broken canal that sent mud and flood waters into Riverdale last month, pleaded today for state money to rebuild.

A delegation of Mayors predicted dire consequences if the repairs aren't made. But the Governor said, in essence, "Pay for it yourself."

Environment Specialist John Hollenhorst explains why the Governor taking such a hard line.

Governor Leavitt says he thinks the water-users who own this canal have the financial resources to raise the funds.

But he also seems to recognize that if the state accepts financial reponsibility, it opens a huge can of worms.

When the canal broke July 11th, it flooded about 70 homes in Riverdale.

Later, a state inspection revealed major defects. The state engineer condemned the canal and said five miles of it must be completely rebuilt before it's used again.

The governor was all smiles as canal officials and mayors came to Capitol Hill, asking for help.

They say it will take five years to comply with the condemnation order. In the meantime, they still need water.

HENRY DICKAMORE/MAYOR OF SOUTH WEBER: "ONE OF THE LANDOWNERS STOPPED THE OTHER DAY AROUND MY HOUSE AND TALKED TO ME AND SAID, 'MAYOR, IF I DON'T GET WATER NEXT YEAR, I WILL LOSE MY FARM'."

They're only getting half the water now. They propose a quick fix by patching up about a half-mile of the canal.

If it's not done by next spring, the mayors predict economic disaster.

JAY RITCHIE/MAYOR OF WEST POINT: "WE WOULD HAVE TO PUT ALL OF OUR CITIZENS ON ZERO WATERING OF THEIR LAWNS AND GARDENS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE FIRE PROTECTION THAT WE NEED."

BOB THURGOOD/MAYOR OF SYRACUSE: "WE MAY HAVE TO PUT A MORATORIUM ON BUILDING, ALTOGETHER, NEW HOMES. AND IF THAT HAPPENS IT'S GOING TO EFFECT THE WHOLE ECONOMY IN NORTHERN UTAH."

Even a quick fix could cost $4-million. The canal company clearly has its hand out.

FLOYD BAHAM/CANAL COMPANY MANAGER: "WE NEED SOME FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE STATE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR PROBLEM HERE."

The governor said the state may allow for a quick fix, but he strongly suggested that those who use the water, should pay for it.

GOV. MIKE LEAVITT: "WE'LL DO ALL WE CAN T HELP. BUT I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T TELL YOU THAT I THINK YOUR PROBLEM DOESN'T LIE WITH THE STATE. THIS IS AN OBLIGATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THIS CANAL COMPANY."

Now, the can of worms part. Experts say there are hundreds of miles, possibly even thousands of miles of canals in the state that are a potential threat.