Plan to carry Utah County water north stalled

AMERICAN FORK — A nearly-completed pipeline that would carry water to developing areas in Utah County and southwestern Salt Lake County is stalled because of an impasse over a 400-foot section in American Fork.

The Central Utah Water Conservancy District wanted to condemn a section of farmland for the pipeline easement, but Utah County's Agricultural Protection Area Advisory Board blocked the condemnation a week ago.

Both the board and the Utah County Commission would have to have approved the condemnation for it to continue. The County Commission on Tuesday had the pipeline issue on its agenda but didn't even talk about it.

"They didn't vote," said water district spokeswoman Chris Finlinson. "The only condition where we could condemn ag-protected property was for both to approve it. Since the ag advisory board did not, the County Commission didn't need to."

The water district board discussed the snag on Wednesday and is considering other property acquisition options, Finlinson said.

— Steve Fidel

Twitter: SteveFidel