PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Bridger Valley Joint Powers Board sought Level III funding in 2001 to assist in the construction
replacement of the existing intake and raw water diversion structure in the Smith's Fork River. The
intake is located 8,700 feet upstream from the regional water treatment plant. The existing structure
is inadequate to provide the total raw water capacity of the new 4 MGD water treatment plant which is
currently under design and being funded by a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan.
The existing intake structure also has problems associated with intake capacity at low river flows as
well as problems with ice and trash accumulations.
A pre-design report, which was completed in March, 2000 by Nelson Engineering and Richard P.
Arber Associates, includes an evaluation of intake upgrade alternatives taking into consideration
pressure requirements at the WTP, access to intake site, sediment removal, permitting costs, regulatory
issues and life cycle costs. Alternatives looked at included: alluvial wells, alternate diversion
locations, raw water transmission line replacement and construction of a booster pump station. The
most cost effective and implementable alternative selected will incorporate the replacement of the
existing 14-inch raw water pipeline and intake structure. The new intake structure will continue be
located at the site of the existing intake structure. Design and construction of the new transmission
line is included in the funding provided by a DWSRF loan and a capital facilities tax.
Total estimated project costs for the intake structure is $327,000 which includes easement acquisition,
design, wetlands & environmental mitigation/permitting, construction management and a 10%
contingency. The BVJPB intends to fund the estimated $52,900 for design, easement and wetlands
mitigation costs with its own funds leaving a balance of $275,000 in project costs. BVJPB is
requesting a 50% grant of these costs or $137,500. The remaining 50% of costs will be provided from
funds collected by the capital facilities tax.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project be incorporated in the Rehabilitation Program at Level III
with an appropriation of $138,000. The funding would be to provide 50% of the construction and
construction management costs.
