County probes Bigfork's archaic drain system

Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman is looking for a way to fix Bigfork's aging storm-drain system, but a solution likely is a long way off.

At a recent meeting of the Flathead Basin Commission, Brenneman presented information about the flawed drain system under the streets of Bigfork.

Currently there is a maze of storm-water drains and pipes - some connected, some not - running under Grand Drive, seeping runoff into private property as well as Bigfork Bay. All of the storm-water from the surrounding streets and parking lots eventually ends up coming out of a pipe near the public dock in Bigfork Bay.

While researching the Grand Drive area storm-water system, Brenneman said he also found reports of a seperate, unused drainage system running under a large portion of the town. According to Brenneman, it is unknown how vast the system is, if it still works or where it even goes.

But before any action can be taken on the system, it must be studied and that costs money - a lot of money.

An engineering study of the underground drain system would cost between $30,000 and $40,000.

The county now is looking into possible avenues to pay for the study, which groups like the Flathead Lakers and Flathead Basin Commission support. This week the county applied for a $15,000 planning grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to help with the cost.

Flathead County Road Superintendent Guy Foy said the county is "trying to minimize the detriment to the community."

"This could turn out to be a huge undertaking," Brenneman said, but noted the project could take years to get off the ground.

Reporter Amy May can be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at amay@dailyinterlake.com