Council OKs resolutions to advance dam building

In what was one of the briefest meetings in recent memory, Libby City Council members on Monday approved a handful of resolutions that clears a legal path for engineering purposes and to apply for funding for water-distribution improvements.

In all, seven resolutions unanimously were approved by the full board. When approved, the meeting lasted just 13 minutes. 

The Council passed Resolutions 1799 and 1800 that allow for a detailed engineering report from Morrison Maierle and a detailed water preliminary engineering report, also from Morrison Maierle, Inc.

The remaining five Resolutions — 1801 through 1805 — clear the way for the Kalispell engineering firm to apply for grant funding from the USDA-Rural Development, the Montana Renewable Resource Grand and Loan Program (RRGL) and the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP).

During the last two months, the City Council has reviewed various presentations from USDA, Rural Development and Morrison and Maierle officials about the project.  It was that familiarity with the projects that prompted Council President Bill Bischoff to seek quick passage of the resolutions.

“Can we pass these all in one motion?” Bischoff inquired, drawing approval from Mayor Doug Roll.

“I move we approve Resolutions 1799 to 1805,” Bischoff motioned.

His motion was seconded by Libby City Councilwoman Vicky Lawrence.

The city is seeking to replace an aging Flower Creek Dam, improve water distribution, update its raw-water distribution system and improve low-pressure areas o fthe city. 

Morrison Maierle Engineer Ryan Jones, who has become a regular attendee at the meetings, applauded the Council’s action to move forward.

“This will allow us to move ahead with the engineering and apply for grants for these projects,” Jones said.

The city is looking at about $12.3 million in improvements to water infrastructure, ranging from a new Flower Creek Dam to improving water distribution.