If we needed another reason to value and maintain the Albany-Santiam Canal, we’re seeing it now. We’re seeing it in the creeks that keep flowing through town and are keeping water in the ponds of city parks despite this summer’s drought and unusual heat.
In the so-called water war between Albany and Lebanon, water is not the issue. Money is, and even more than money, it’s bull-headedness. So Monday’s offer of a compromise from Lebanon comes as a welcome sign that finally at least one side is cooling down and talking sense.
It hasn’t come to blows yet, but it may — I’m talking figuratively, I hope — in the fight between city officials of Albany and Lebanon over the Albany-Lebanon Canal. On Friday it looked as though the dispute would reach a boiling point at Cheadle Lake, the former log pond Lebanon has turned into a park-like waterway […]
Albany is sounding tough when it comes to Lebanon and the Santiam canal. It’s one thing to start negotiations with a hard-nosed attitude. But when it comes to two neighboring towns depending on the same asset, some friendly flexibility would not come amiss. And it would sound better.
Albany and Lebanon city officials have been unable to work out a new agreement governing operations and cost- sharing on the Santiam-Albany Canal, which serves both cities. Now the Albany public works staff is asking its city council for direction, and council discussion is likely Monday afternoon.
Albany Hydro: Hoping for better
Last year and this, sad to say, have not been money makers for Albany Hydro. The generator had to be shut down much of the time, but it started spinning again this month. And the outlook for next year depends on whether we get a reasonable amount of mountain snow.
Tags: Albany hydro, Albany-Santiam Canal, electric production, South Santiam River