Mayor's Corner

In an effort to provide information about the Church Street Emergency Water Main Replacement (CSEWMR) project, this month’s article may be a little technical. We’ll try to keep it user friendly.

The CSEWMR project was approved in the October 15, 2024, Thompson Falls City Council meeting. The CSEWMR project generally consists of replacing approximately 1,200 linear feet of 10” diameter PVC water main, water main fittings, gate valves, connection to existing water distribution system and connecting to existing water services and fire hydrant assemblies. The work for this CSEWMR project is part of the construction budget for the entire water project which as a whole is approximately $4.6 million. Bids that had been submitted were opened on September 24 and the project was awarded to low responsive bidder 40/50 Development out of Ennis, Montana with a total bid of $338,960.00.

The contractor anticipates a start date of October 23, 2024 to get as much done this fall as possible. In preparation, they are staging a large portion of their equipment in the city park area on Big Horn Drive. The contract calendar days are for 45 days. Should winter weather impact the construction schedule, the contractor may choose to install water main in two phases. Due to the condition of the water main, the City has prioritized replacement of the water main between 5th and 4th Streets along Church Street. There will be a schedule which will include proposed dates of starting and completing the two sections of work for water main replacement. We will work to keep information available at the City to advise residents of updates such as road closures, etc.

The working hours are to be between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. Water service is not to be interrupted for more than 8 hours unless permitted in writing. In cases where anyone is to be without service for more than 8 hours or after 6:00 pm on any day, the contractor is to provide affected people with temporary service until permanent service is restored.

As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. Thank you for your patience during this much needed construction project.