The Kalispell City Council is expected to vote tonight on bids for a first phase of the West Side Sewer Interceptor project.

The work would include the installation of 480 feet of plastic sewer main pipe, as well as some casing pipe. The lowest bid came from LHC Inc., at $174,965.

This is the first step in a $14 million sewer interceptor project that aims to provide sewer service for development in west Kalispell. It would get piping across a key obstacle in the proposed line — the U.S. 93 bypass.

Officials want it finished before the Montana Department of Transportation starts working on the next phases of the west-side bypass.

“If we didn’t do it now, we’d have to bore across the entire right-of-way after they do their project this summer,” said Keith Haskins, senior civil engineer for the city of Kalispell. “And they’re adding some additional lanes.”

According to a city memo, the project would be funded by portions of the sewer fee fund designated for the West Side Sewer Interceptor project. The estimated completion date is June 1.

Also on the agenda for the council is consideration of updated fire, electrical and building codes that align with state standards. They will have an opportunity to adopt those provisions after a first reading was given at the previous meeting.

The council will also consider new draft design standards for new construction and set a public hearing date.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Kalispell City Hall.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.