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Alta staff outline water and sewer master plan and propose cross-canyon waterline this summer
Summary
Town staff and engineers presented a draft water and sewer capital plan and recommended constructing a cross-canyon waterline this summer to improve fire flows and system redundancy, with estimated planning costs that may require using water‑fund cash on hand and an interfund loan if contractors' pricing exceeds projections.
Town staff and the consulting engineers briefed the Alta Town Council on Feb. 12 on the water and sewer master plan and a capital project to install a cross-canyon waterline this summer, a project staff said would improve fire flows and provide redundancy.
The engineers’ draft plan identified three water projects (including the cross-canyon line and a new storage tank to meet fire-flow requirements) and two sewer projects. Staff said engineering cost estimates for the cross-canyon project are conservative and likely high; the current planning figure cited in staff materials was approximately $450,000 to $540,000.
“Because the ski area is replacing utilities along the same corridor, this is an opportunity to share trenching and reduce costs,” staff said in the presentation, noting coordination with the ski area reduces disruption and procurement costs.
Why it matters: staff said the system currently does not meet fire-flow standards in places and that several pipeline segments are deteriorated. The cross-canyon pipe would connect the network to provide a looped system and better hydraulic performance during firefighting operations.
Funding and schedule: staff said the water fund holds roughly $490,000 on hand and projected a June 30 balance near $632,351 under the adopted fiscal year 2025 budget. Because the bulk of construction invoices would arrive in fiscal 2026, the council discussed options: (1) proceed with cash on hand and accept short-term low balances, (2) rewrite or expand the existing interfund loan from the general fund, or (3) pursue state loans/grants for larger projects. Several council members indicated comfort with a short-term interfund borrowing arrangement if necessary.
Council members asked staff to preserve operating cash and to confirm final contractor pricing and Forest Service approvals. Staff said they expect to have final Forest Service authorization for the corridor in March and to start mobilization in May, with a goal to complete before the next winter season.
Ending: Council and staff agreed to return with procurement documents and any required budget amendments; no final appropriation was adopted at the Feb. 12 meeting.
