Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) is requesting an easement to install a natural gas line for the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) new Wildlands Fire Station.  On May 26, 2009, the City approved a Lease with the BLM for 6.5 acres to be used  for the construction and operation of a new Wildlands Fire Station.  The new BLM Fire Station will be built at 1297 Rimtop Road, adjacent to the existing BLM Air Tanker Base, both located in the Airport Business Park on the north side of the Airport.  The new gas line will be completely contained within the Wildlands Fire Station 6.5 acre Lease.  MDU is responsible for all of the construction costs; however, since the utility line will be on Airport property, a right-of-way easement must be approved by the City Council and signed by the Mayor.

The City Council may:

• Approve the utility easement with MDU; or
• Decline to approve the easement and allow the utilities to be installed without an easement.

This easement will produce no financial impact to the City of Billings.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve and the Mayor execute the Right-of-Way Easement with MDU for the installation of a natural gas line for the BLM's new Wildlands Fire Station located at Billings Logan International Airport.