Stormwater project final design goes out to bid

After two years of preparation work, the Bigfork Stormwater Project may be under construction this year.

The preliminary engineering report for the project, done by 48 North Civil Engineering Services of Kalispell this fall, was submitted Dec. 22 to Flathead County.

The report evaluates the stormwater sub-basins in the Bigfork area, problems and possible solutions. It gives an analysis and recommendations of a range of possible systems and cost estimates.

The project, which is being undertaken by the county with the help of the Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee, aims to update the Village's infrastructure to prevent property flooding and discharge into Flathead Lake.

The Flathead County Commissioners have now released a Request for Qualifications for final design engineering. This means local engineering firms can now submit their bids on the first phase of the project.

Since the county has received only partial funding for the overall project, it will be developed in phases as money becomes available over the next three years. The first phase will be Grand Drive. The other sub-basins include River Street, Electric Avenue, South Bridge Street and North Bridge Street.

The project has received about $100,000 in grants thus far, though some of those grants require matching funds or have other stipulations.

Questions about the RFQ were due Monday, Jan. 4, with written responses to questions posted on the county Web site by Wednesday.

Engineering firms can submit statements of qualification by 5 p.m.Jan. 13.

The commissioners intend to award the contract Feb. 12 with the first phase of the project slated for completion by June 30.

Statements of qualification are expected to include a basis of design report, final design plans, construction cost estimates, construction bid packages and construction management/inspections.

Work began on the Bigfork Stormwater Project in 2007 after residents complained to county officials of flood damage from runoff on their properties. BSAC was formed to focus on the issue and provide recommendations to the Flathead County Commissioners.

ONLINE

To read the report or the RFQ, visit http://flathead.mt.gov/com missioner