Lawsuit Between IBSD and Bonn. Co. Dismissed; Beech's Corner to Reopen - KPVI NEWS 6: Pocatello, Idaho Falls-Weather, Sports, News-

With summertime nearing, some good news for RV enthusiasts in Bonneville County. It all ties in to a lawsuit by the Iona Bonneville Sewer District -- against Bonneville County -- which has now been dropped.

Thousands of RV-ers use the free sewer access site -- Beech's Corner off highway 26 --every year. It's the only one in the area, for people coming back from Palisades Reservoir or other weekend getaways, but for several months now, they've seen this closed, "sewer problem" sign. They've also encountered this padlock on the sewer hookup.

And it's angered travelers. In fact the county has received hundreds of phone calls about this since last year. But the lock should be removed soon.

In a news conference Wednesday, counsel for the county, Dane Watkins, Jr., gave the background. The IBSD filed lawsuit last year with two claims -- a contract and $1.5 million damages claim, complaining that the county wasn't approved to tap into IBSD sewer lines, and never paid its dues over at least 20 years. Also a claim that sewer lines in this area were damaged because of the way they were constructed.

Those claims caused Beech's Corner to be closed.

The county says it had witnesses lined up to testify on its behalf, but a trial is no longer necessary. This comes after an independent report, that cost both parties about $10,000 each, which showed the lines are in decent shape.

IBSD Board Chairman John Price and County Commissioner Roger Christiansen both called this resolution a "win-win" for the community, in part because of no more attorney expenses.

Roger Christiansen, Bonneville County Commissioner: "By reestablishing a good working relationship with the IBSD and keeping this open, number one we avoided a tremendous expense, and number two we're able to preserve a pretty valuable asset for the area."

This facility is owned by the state, and now the IBSD and the county will all manage it together. In the summer, sometimes there's a line of R-V's here trying to use the sewer access after vacations. They will have access once again, hopefully starting Memorial Day weekend. And that could help end some of the illegal dumping elsewhere that's been taking place ever since this has been closed.

Lawsuit Between IBSD and Bonn. Co. Dismissed; Beech's ...