Peninsula water project down the drain?

More than $52-million and 20 years of work could go down the drain on the Peninsula. Officials say it's a strong possibility, as they recommend canceling the heavily-debated King William Reservoir Project.

Even though $52-million has already been spent, a report to Newport News City Council from Acting City Manager Neil Morgan highlights the trouble spots that seem too big to make the project worthwhile.

It was created to ensure Peninsula residents have enough H2O to last for years down the line, but the King William Reservoir Project could soon be dead in the water.  The project was suspended for 120 days in May by Newport News Council members.  They wanted to determine if the project to build a 13-billion-gallon reservoir in King William County was still feasible.

Acting City Manager Neil Morgan cites time and funding issues for a Final Environmental Impact Statement as part of a court ruling.

He says, "Such a supplement is estimated to require approximately two years' effort and cost of several million dollars."

Environmentalists and members of three Indian Tribes, the Upper Mattaponi , the Mattaponi , and the Pamunkey fought the project for years.  Recent word of this recommendation to cancel is welcome to them.

Upper Mattaponi Indian Chief Ken Adams tells WAVY.com,  "No one knows how much damage could be done to the Mattaponi River.  It's been a long, long process for the tribe. It's been really difficult and I'm glad it's over.  It cost us a great deal of time and money to protect ourselves and protect our culture."

One Newport News resident WAVY.com spoke with was outraged.  He didn't want to give his name, but he did say, "$55-million gone?  That's pure stupidity.  What happens to that money?"

Officials say the money for the project came from water rate dollars, hook up charges, and project partners from James City County and Williamsburg. When WAVY.com asked if and how the money would be recouped, waterworks officials said that's something they have to discuss with council first before commenting.

A Council briefing is scheduled for Tuesday on the 10th floor of City Hall in Newport News. Council work session begins at 3 p.m. and they are scheduled to address the King William Reservoir Project issue at around 4:30 p.m.

Click here to read the King William Reservoir Project Report and Memo.