Council gets update on town water project; prairie-dog survey cleared, pump work expected by summer

At the April 3 meeting the council received a status update on the town water project. Staff said the contractor has completed a prairie dog survey required by regulators and paperwork should be finalized this week, allowing work to resume. "They just finished their prairie dog survey…they're gonna finish up the paperwork this coming week on it," a staff member reported.

Construction steps described at the meeting: Jackson's will pour the concrete pad and set the container, then the contractor will complete the well house and connect the pump. Staff estimated the new pump and associated work could be in place by mid-summer, with a target around July 1. Councilors also discussed related pieces of infrastructure — meter installations, chlorination equipment and ensuring adequate flow for future growth — and asked Bridal (the town's consultant/contractor referenced in the meeting) to examine potential grant opportunities such as HB280 for irrigation-related upgrades.

Councilors emphasized the need to verify capacity for future development and to confirm regulatory approvals from the state Division of Drinking Water. No new funding decisions were made that night; staff will continue coordinating with contractors and regulators and return with status updates to the council.