Gallatin council advances Southern County regional water transmission main project; council praises progress amid interlocal negotiations

The Gallatin City Council voted on Feb. 4 to approve measures advancing the Southern County regional water transmission main project, including awarding contract 524 and advancing a first-reading award for Line D.

Councilman Fennell presented an ordinance awarding the bid for the southern county regional water transmission main project (contract 524) on second reading; the ordinance passed unanimously. Council members said the bids so far have been favorable and emphasized the need to complete related interlocal agreements with neighboring utilities.

Councilman Gervontz warned about potential coordination challenges as the project proceeds, saying, “the more progress, the more roadblocks we get.” The mayor and staff said they have met with neighboring cities, including Portland, and that Castalian Springs is working on a memorandum of agreement to participate. City staff and council members said each entity will ultimately assume any overages tied to portions of the project that fall within its jurisdiction.

Council discussion noted that the project is funded in part through grant programs and that some legs remain to be bid; when outstanding bids return the council will better understand whether the overall project remains within the anticipated budget. Council also advanced a first reading on an ordinance awarding the bid for Line D of the transmission main; that item passed first reading unanimously.

Council members said staff will continue negotiations with neighboring utility districts and finalize interlocal documents as contract work proceeds. The council did not amend the awards during the meeting.