PROJECT INFORMATION:
The project will construct rural water systems to provide water from the
Shoshone Pipeline Project to rural users. The Shoshone Pipeline was
originally designed with capacity for rural users. These users will
provide additional income to the Shoshone Municipal Pipeline Project,
making that project more efficient. The rural areas are currently using
wells which produce water of limited quantity and questionable quality,
or are hauling water.
The Level II study was performed in two phases. The Level II - Phase I
report was completed in January, 1989, and delineated preliminary
service areas, established economic parameters for service, and
generated design criteria. Upon completion of Phase I activities, WWDC
placed the Level II activities on hold to allow the sponsors time to
form water districts and establish the service area boundaries. In
January, 1990, the sponsors held public elections to establish the
districts and their boundaries, and to elect rural water district board
members. The voters overwhelmingly approved the formation of the
district.
Based on criteria established by the district, the final service areas
were delineated to serve water to 1,055 users in the following seven
rural areas: South Fork, Sage Creek, North Cody, Heart Mountain,
O'Donnell, Deaver-Frannie, and Lovell. Presently, the number of users
has increased to 1,280.
In 1991, the district worked to secure funding from the Farm Loan Board
and the Farmer's Home Administration for the distribution systems. In
1992, the final design process was completed for the first project
component, the Heart Mountain system, which was placed into service in
October, 1993. The O'Donnell and South Fork systems were placed into
service on June 1, 1994 and November 22, 1994 respectively. The
Deaver-Frannie and Lovell systems were bid in early fall, 1994, and were
completed in April, 1995. The Sage Creek and North Cody systems were
placed into service in November, 1996. The Cooper Lane area is the
final area to be constructed. Design for the Cooper Lane area is planned
for completion in 1997. construction is planned to be completed by the
Spring of 1998.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project budget be increased by $560,000 with
67% being a grant and 33% being a loan with an interest rate of 4%. It is
further recommended that the project due date be extended to 1999.
