The town of Alberton maybe getting a new water system if funding becomes available.

Anderson-Montgomery Engineers, out of Helena, presented a proposal at a recent town council meeting. At the meeting, engineer, Scott Anderson discussed issues regarding the current system, estimated costs for improvements, as well as a time-line to complete the project.

Anderson presented four priorities which would span ten years. The first priority is installing a control system. He said that water is currently being wasted due to spillage. Replacing a valve, upgrading the electrical system, and installing new liquid hypo-chlorinated equipment would save the town water and money. The proposed cost for this phase of the project would be $165,900. If funding is available, improvements could begin next summer.

The second priority would be to upgrade the water mains in town at a cost of $1,253,665. The third priority would be to upgrade existing water storage, which would include a new 200,000 gallon tank, at a cost of $806,400. The fourth priority would be an upgrade to existing water sources which includes rehabilitation of the spring and well, and to drill an additional well, at a cost of $235,900.

Funding for the improvements to the water system includes state grants, low interest lows, and possibly commercial bank loans. Comments were sought regarding a grant application which was due on Monday, May 16, to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for funding for the initial phase of the proposed project.