NorthWestern Energy is requesting an easement to install electrical power lines 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 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 electrical power lines and associated easements will be completely contained within the Wildlands Fire Station 6.5 acre Lease.  NorthWestern Energy is responsible for all of the construction costs; however, since the utility lines 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 NorthWestern Energy; or
• Decline to approve the utility 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 NorthWestern Energy for the installation of electrical power for the BLM's new Wildlands Fire Station located at Billings Logan International Airport.