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Water utilities press county over fiber crews’ damage and unpaid claims as commissioners approve permits with conditions
Summary
Walkers County utility officials accused Aspen Utility contractors of repeatedly damaging water infrastructure and not paying invoices; Aspen contractors denied intentional negligence. Commissioners approved multiple Comcast fiber right‑of‑way permits with standard conditions and asked for further coordination and documentation.
Representatives of a local water utility told the Walker County Commissioners Court on May 4 that recent fiber construction by contractors has damaged water infrastructure, left lines exposed and created unpaid repair bills, and urged the county to require better coordinated placement and accountability.
James Morrison, speaking for local utilities, said contractors have torn water lines apart and that small utility districts lack the staff to manage the volume of installations. "They have torn this — the City of Huntsville water lines apart," James said, adding that multiple unpaid claims remain and that frequent subcontractor turnover complicates remediation and billing.
Christopher Beasley, who later identified himself as with Aspen Utility (the general contractor), disputed that all damage was caused by Aspen negligence and said some incidents involved subcontractor actions or mismarked locates. "Some of the damage [was] not caused by negligence on our part," he said, while acknowledging the company was tracking claims and would follow up on repair and billing issues.
County commissioners said they wanted better coordination among broadband contractors, county engineering and small local utilities and suggested a workshop to set clearer expectations for placement, notification and repair procedures.
Despite the complaints, the court approved multiple Comcast installation requests (UIR numbers listed in the record) with the conditions listed in an April 24, 2026 BL letter. Commissioners required contractors to follow the letter’s conditions, submit manifests or contracts for sanitation/pumping where relevant, and produce requested documentation to county staff when operations affect county utility infrastructure.
Michael Watson and other utility representatives urged a structured approach because fiber expansion is accelerating and federal funding has increased the number of installations through rural corridors. Commissioners said they would request follow‑up meetings with Aspen, Comcast and county utilities to reduce repeated damage and improve communication.
The court’s approvals allow installation to proceed under the specified conditions; utility leaders said they plan to work with county staff and the contractors to resolve outstanding invoices and to seek a formal coordination process going forward.
