Kalispell City Council will review the city’s updated stormwater facility plan on Monday.

Council meets at 7 p.m., March 23, in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The updates reflect new projections for the city’s growth since the plan was last revised in 2008. The document is intended to help guide city staff on the future needs of the network of streets and underground pipes that stormwater flows through.  

When rain or snow melt can’t be absorbed by the soil, the city is tasked with funneling the runoff through drainages to various treatment units installed around the city.  

The updated plan prepared by HDR Inc. found that growth within the service area occurred at a slower rate than was previously projected, and that Kalispell’s annexation boundary is smaller than what was previously assumed.  

The revisions focus on evaluating the existing system and identifying any future improvements that should take priority, according to a memo from Public Works Director Susie Turner.  

The city operates its stormwater drainage system under standards set by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, which includes using inlets, manholes, ditches, stormwater treatment devices, detention and retention facilities, outfalls, lift stations, force mains and gravity mains.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.