Bel Air Water Situation in “Limbo”

Allegany and Garrett counties spent much of the last two weeks in Annapolis discussing with different state agencies needs and plans for the area. Unfortunately, one item that was not discussed at length was continuing issues surrounding the Bel Air Water system. Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett says the most options are on hold right now…

“We sent a letter to the PSC expressing our concern. We’re hearing rumblings that legislation may be put in to help with the rates, but we’re a little in a limbo period right now. We’ve never heard back on the state of emergency request so we’re just a bit in limbo to be very honest.”

Bennett said one option available is seen as a last resort – eminent domain…

“Because we’re afraid of what the purchase price may end up being if you go that route. Because even if you take the action to take them, you have to pay fair market value. We could try to do something like that but we may end up at a point of, ‘hey we’ve acquired the system, we had to pay X for it,’ and it’s actually worse for the residents than better.”