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County engineer warns Sheridan may need to buy water as river-reservoir decision awaits Montana
Summary
Sheridan County Engineer Ken Muller told commissioners the Board of Control is working the issue and Montana authorities may determine Tongue River reservoir flows; county will open Little Goose Canyon well and consider purchased water if access becomes limited.
County Engineer Ken Muller told the Board of County Commissioners on March 23 that Sheridan County is coordinating with the Board of Control over water availability on the Tongue River system and that Montana authorities are likely to have a role in the reservoir decision.
Muller said Road & Bridge plans to open the county well in Little Goose Canyon and may supplement with water from the Road & Bridge shop or the City of Sheridan. He warned that if access to existing sources becomes difficult the county may need to purchase water. The engineer also reported that a planned CMAQ-funded project has been shifted to a regular project because CMAQ funds were not available; the project award will come to the BOCC at the next Monday staff meeting to address rail-delivery timing.
Commissioner Mike Arzy raised questions about charges tied to the Sheridan Area Water Supply and whether water has been used to fill trucks; Muller confirmed the practice in the meeting record and emphasized contingency planning. The Board did not vote on new water purchases at the March 23 staff meeting but directed staff to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
