Costs Up for Pipeline Damaged in Arizona Wildfire

The costs of rebuilding a vital water pipeline damaged after a wildfire on the outskirts of Flagstaff last year are soaring.

The pipeline first constructed in 1890 brings the city about 20 percent of its water during the summer. It was damaged in 17 places by flooding caused by the 15,000-acre Schultz Fire.

The city estimated that replacing the damaged sections would cost about $3.6 million.

But the U.S. Forest Service wants the pipeline rerouted around a wilderness area at a cost of $500,000. The city also could partly responsible for removing about 11,000 dead trees along the route.

The costs are being split between the city, state and federal governments.