RAINBOW LAKE

September 28, 2026
 

Negotiations continue between The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside and the Irrigation Company regarding a yearly stipend to the Company for improvement to the irrigation system as it flows through the town.  Several meetings between the town and the Irrigation Company have been scheduled and then postponed for various reasons. As it stands right now the Company has not made a final decision on possibly privatizing  Rainbow Lake and subjecting users and residents to a licensing fee. The Company has good reasons to avoid becoming a recreational entity rather than an irrigation utility, according to Company sources, but the Company Board has to await action by the Town in deciding if and how much the Town is willing to invest.

 

RLCC is willing to assist the Company as it has in the past as long as the Lake is not privatized. It is unlikely that the potential contributors’ generosity can support a move to limit use of the Lake as a recreational facility nor justify community efforts to conserve this White Mountain natural resource. RLCC has reached out to the Company to assure our interest in helping maintain Rainbow Lake as a community asset. The Company has responded in a positive tone but feels bound to wait until negotiation with the Town is finalized.

 

The next few weeks will be critical for us. If we are going to engage in a fundraiser that will attract tax exempt contributions before the end of the year, we need to encourage the Town and the Irrigation Company to finish their essential discussion as soon as possible.

 

Dave Derickson, President

 

 

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