Missoula County commissioners approve Wye Water System Project, plans for 2025 completion

The Missoula County commissioners approved plans Feb. 6 to construct a new water system at the Wye, allocating $5.3 million in tax increment financing (TIF) for the project. The system will initially serve the Grass Valley Industrial subdivision and Montana Knife Company's new manufacturing facility. While Grass Valley Industrial will build the system south of I-90 this year, the County will later purchase it using a bond repaid with TIF funds.

Additionally, the commissioners approved a development agreement with Grass Valley Industrial and initiated a 60-day public comment period on creating a special district to cover operating costs, leading up to a public hearing on April 24. Construction could begin as early as this spring and finish by fall 2025.