The City of Libby is receiving nearly $8 million in federal assistance to help replace the aging Flower Creek Dam, the community’s only water source.
Montana U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and John Walsh announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a $3.2 million loan and $4.7 million grant for the dam replacement project. The entire project is estimated cost just over $8 million.
Tester and Walsh met with Lincoln County commissioners and city officials in June to discuss the project, which is considered critical to the surrounding area. The dam, originally built in 1946, is losing its strength and engineers have found that the concrete strength was less than 1,000 pounds per square inch. Normal strength is between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds per square inch. A report, issued byMorrison-Maierle in September 2011, stated that under normal conditions the dam would be usable for another five years.
“This is a great example of tax dollars being put to their best use,” said Tester, who penned a letter urging the USDA to offer assistance for the project. “The Flower Creek Dam is the only water source for the community of Libby and it’s rapidly deteriorating. This project is critical to health, safety and economic development in Lincoln County.”
The USDA’s rural development funds will enable the city to construct a new dam that will be located 85 feet below the existing dam. The project will serve more than 2,600 residents, according to Tester’s office.
“The families of Lincoln County can thank the strong leadership and tireless work ethic of their community leaders who addressed this problem head on,” Walsh stated. “The replacement of the Flower Creek Dam will critically improve the water quality for local residents, bring good-paying jobs to Northwest Montana, and address public safety.”