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Council advances $853,489 NRDP water-meter grant and $735,465 Basin Creek park rehabilitation
Summary
Butte Silver Bow commissioners opened public hearings and advanced budget amendments to accept an $853,489 NRDP grant for a water-meter program (848 meters plus plumbing assistance) and a $735,465 NRDP grant for Basin Creek Park rehabilitation; hearings closed with general support and questions about implementation and costs.
Butte Silver Bow — At the May 20 meeting the council heard public testimony and staff briefings on two NRDP grants: one to expand metering across the county's water system and a second to rehabilitate Basin Creek Park.
Director Neri described a proposed $853,489 grant intended to move customers off flat-rate water accounts by funding 848 meter installations and some plumbing assistance for households that cannot afford internal plumbing changes. "We're trying to get everybody off the flat rates," Director Neri said, adding that the program would target 848 meters in the first phase while plumbing assistance would be covered by the grant. Commissioners asked about the total number of unmetered services (Neri estimated about 4,200) and the unit cost of meters (roughly $450 for the meter and installation exclusive of plumbing), and staff said they plan to pursue additional grants to continue the program beyond the two-year initial phase.
Director Frederickson presented the Basin Creek Park rehabilitation grant, reporting a $735,465 NRDP award and confirming that Great West Engineering was selected as the contractor; the project team had its kickoff about four hours before the meeting. Frederickson said public engagement and design work are next steps and that certain areas of the park (including an edible-forest demonstration planted with grant funds) will be part of the design process.
Both hearings drew public support from community speakers, and staff said they will return to the council with implementation details, project timelines and any required follow-up after design and public engagement.
