In a recent government meeting, Washington City officials discussed two significant agreements with the Saint George and Washington Canal Company, focusing on trail construction and maintenance, as well as drainage easements. City Manager Jeremy Redd presented the proposals, emphasizing the importance of passing both agreements concurrently to ensure mutual approval from the Canal Company.

The first agreement pertains to the construction and maintenance of a historic canal trail, which is intended to follow the path of the now-covered Washington City Canal. Redd noted that the city has been negotiating with the Canal Company for approximately 18 months to finalize the terms. The agreement would grant the city a surface trail easement on certain lands owned by the Canal Company, allowing for the construction of a 20-foot-wide maintenance trail. However, the city would be responsible for obtaining easements from private landowners adjacent to the Canal Company's easements, which raises concerns about the feasibility of the project if any landowners refuse to cooperate.

Council members expressed apprehension regarding the one-sided nature of the agreement, particularly the city's obligation to repair any damage caused by the Canal Company during maintenance activities. The council highlighted the potential financial burden on the city if the Canal Company were to disrupt the trail during their operations, as the city would be responsible for restoring the trail at its own expense.

The second agreement involves the assignment of drainage easements, which would transfer responsibility for maintaining certain drainage infrastructure from the Canal Company to Washington City. This agreement would require the city to protect the Canal Company's drainage lines from damage caused by city-approved construction projects, further complicating the city's liability landscape. Council members voiced concerns about assuming past liabilities related to these drainage systems, arguing that it would be unfair for the city to take on responsibilities for issues stemming from historical developments.

The discussions revealed a complex relationship between Washington City and the Canal Company, with both parties seeking to protect their interests amid ongoing negotiations. The council is weighing the benefits of establishing a trail and improving drainage infrastructure against the potential liabilities and financial implications of the agreements. As the city moves forward, officials are considering how to balance these interests while ensuring fair terms that do not unduly burden taxpayers.