The 21-mile long Quemahoning Pipeline will supply water to rural communities in the county, but some residents said they don't need the project and don't want to pay for it.

Windber Councilman Simon Ohler said, as it stands now, every taxpayer in the county will need to contribute to the $10 million bond that will help pay for the pipeline.

However, he said he believes only people who use the water should have to pay for it. In response, he and Windber Mayor Art Palumbo filed a joint lawsuit to try to stop the county from using tax revenue to fund the project.

Ohler said their immediate goal is to find out if the Somerset County commissioners have the authority to guarantee the bond.

"I just feel that it's my duty as an elected official in our little borough to question whether or not we are going to have to be long-term guaranteeing the bonds that they are going to issue," Ohler said. "This is in no way against the pipeline -- it's necessary. But they've got to be more creative with their financing."

Somerset Commissioner Pamela Toker Ickes said the lawsuit is being reviewed by their solicitor. She said the project is not just about drinking water, but is also about economic development to help everyone in the county.

Bid openings for the pipeline are scheduled to start on Oct. 31. Stay with Channel 6 News and WJACTV.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: September 19, 2007: Quemahoning Pipeline Moves Step Closer To Construction May 23, 2006: Somerset Commissioners Take Pipeline Off Table March 30, 2006: Pipeline Forum Turns Into Argument March 29, 2006: Forum Slated For Pipeline Project March 29, 2006: Que Pipeline Forum March 21, 2006: Johnstown Water Authority Wants In On Que Pipeline March 18, 2006: Public Urged To Come Out For Que. Pipeline January 2, 2006: Troubles For Que Pipeline?