Kalispell City Council to consider financing options for water infrastructure project

Kalispell City Council is expected to approve funding Monday for a 2.5-million-gallon replacement concrete water storage tank.  

Council meets Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. 

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has offered the city loans amounting to close to $7.9 million to partially fund the project. The funding would come through the state agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Program.  

If the city complies with certain conditions, half of the loaned amount will be forgiven. The other comes with a 2.5 percent annual interest rate for 30 years. To pay for the loans, Council will decide whether to authorize the issuance of two series of bonds, each amounting to $3.9 million.  

The total project cost is estimated at $8.2 million, according to the city. Around $320,000 would come from Kalispell’s Water Fund 

Council will also be confirming three police officers who completing their one-year probationary employment period. Officers Jay Gillhouse, Cole Gasner and Michael Stuhler will be congratulated at the meeting.  

Jack Underhill can be reached at junderhill@dailyinterlake.com and 758-4407.