Rock Creek Undergrounding
This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program and Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, Agreement Number EMD-2021-BR-001-0003
Project Introduction
Through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division is administering a $1 billion investment via the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This proactive investment will build resilient communities across the U.S. to mitigate hazards associated with climate change, including severe weather events and wildfires.
To support wildfire mitigation priorities in Montana’s Rock Creek drainage, MEC secured $919,250 in grant funding through the BRIC program and $306,395 in State of Montana Resiliency Funding. In 2024, MEC teamed with Missoula County and Montana Disaster Emergency Services to finalize the agreement.
Project Description
There are two primary threats to the resilience of MEC’s system in the Rock Creek Drainage. The first threat is the trending rise in wildfires in the northwest, which have the potential to wreak havoc on the Cooperative’s distribution infrastructure. The second threat is the increased frequency, severity and unpredictability of storms due to the ever-changing climate.
Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Rock Creek Fire Mitigation – Undergrounding Project will underground three sections of distribution line in the Rock Creek drainage.
Benefits
This project will provide significant benefits in two key ways. First, undergrounding the utility lines will greatly reduce the risk of utility-sparked wildfires, which is critical in this steep, densely wooded region. It will also lower the likelihood of outages during extreme weather events.
The project also offers indirect benefits such as easier access for vegetation management efforts and reduced long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Communities and Members Impacted
The benefits of this project will extend beyond the Rock Creek area, positively impacting nearby communities by significantly reducing the risk of wildfire, property damage, and environmental disruption. Furthermore, the project will greatly reduce long-duration power outages for approximately 193 meters in the immediate area.
Timeline
The Rock Creek Fire Mitigation – Undergrounding Project will be completed in 2025 using the following timeline:
- Design, Permitting & Procurement: Spring/Summer 2025
- Construction: Project construction in Spring/Summer 2025
- Operation: Project implementation in Fall 2025
Procurement
Materials RFP Package Request
For the Materials RFP, MEC seeks competitive bids for the supply of materials required to implement the Rock Creek Fire Mitigation – Undergrounding Project. All materials purchased under this RFP must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). Please click the link above to request an RFP.
Clarification Questions Due: October 10, 2024
Submission Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024
Project Completion Target: November 1, 2025
Contractor RFP Package Request
For the Contractor RFP, MEC seeks competitive bids for construction services to implement the Rock Creek Fire Mitigation – Undergrounding Project. Please click the link above to request an RFP.
Clarification Questions Due: 4pm MT on Friday, November 8, 2024
Submission Deadline: 4pm MT on Friday, November 15, 2024
Project Completion Target: November 1, 2025
Project Overview
Download the Project Overview here.
Public Meetings
Monday, July 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. – visit our event page for details.
Contact Information
Mick Aho, Integrated Services Manager
Micka@meccoop.com
406.541.6375
Keelie Montalban, Assistant General Manager & Chief Risk Officer
KeelieM@meccoop.com
406.541.6359
