PAYSON?Drought and a battle over Strawberry Reservoir water rights have Payson officials looking to spend up to $50 million to build a reservoir in Payson Canyon.

Mayor Bernell Evans said the idea of making a lake in the canyon has been considered before, but has gained momentum as the water dispute drags on.

“We are working with Strawberry and… Central Utah Water Conservancy District, and we are trying to work out… where we can leave that water there and use it for irrigation,” Evans said.

The city has several reservoirs in the canyon and hopes to pursue a larger one, even if they regain the rights to Strawberry Reservoir water, he said.