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Landowners present 68 petitions opposing Pike Lake Reservoir; commissioners express opposition
Summary
Roxy Craig delivered 68 landowner petitions opposing the Pike Lake Reservoir project, cited a low‑end $9 million pipe‑work estimate and said regional and federal agencies were unaware of the plan; commissioners said they do not support placing a lake in the proposed location and pledged to engage with state legislators.
Representatives of the Pike Lake Group presented 68 landowner petitions opposing the proposed Pike Lake Reservoir project and asked the commission whether it supports or opposes the plan.
Roxy Craig said the petitions show a majority of landowners oppose the reservoir and cited Jack Ripper, manager of Rural Water District No. 4, who she said estimated pipe work alone could cost at least $9 million in the buyout area — a cost she said would fall to county taxpayers. Craig also said regional planning bodies and federal agencies (the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Indian Affairs) had no prior knowledge of the project until it was reported locally.
Commissioners on the dais expressed opposition to siting a lake in the proposed area, describing it as "not beneficial" to the county and saying they would discuss the issue with senators and other state officials. County leaders reiterated that local officials may be limited in authority if the project advances at the state level, and staff noted that no formal plan or ballot item was before the commission at that time.
No vote was taken; petitioners asked commissioners to state their position before the ballot if the project returns to consideration at the state level.
