Waimea Water Ltd has announced on 21 February that the projected cost for the dam will rise from $104 million dollars to $129 million dollars, due to unforeseen issues with the suitability of rock available in the construction area.
Mayor Tim King responded that the dam remains essential for the region and that Council is committed to pay for cost increases even if these exceed $3 million "but that does not automatically mean it’s funded entirely through rates" and new funding sources may have to be sought.
Waimea Irrigators Ltd responded "The importance of this project to the region has not changed, and it is still the best solution for the region’s long-term water supply” and We will work with our project partners in any way we can to help develop a strategy to raise the additional funds."
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