Billings capitalizes on falling CCTV costs for major storm sewer assessment

Billings capitalizes on falling CCTV costs for major storm sewer assessmentThe city has awarded a $120,019 contract to inspect 108,000 lineal feet of storm drains, filling critical data gaps in its GIS and allowing for targeted capital planning.

Pace Infrastructure Systems Specialists won the contract with a $120,019 bid, well under the $250,000 project budget.

The project will map pipe conditions, sediment levels, and locations across 108,000 lineal feet of the city's stormwater network.

Bids ranged as high as $988,846, which City Engineer Mac Fogelsong attributed to out-of-state firms submitting significantly higher numbers than local contractors.

The city also approved a $118,637 contract for annual sediment hauling at its Water Treatment Plant to maintain raw water intake capacity.

The Billings City Council has approved a $120,019 contract with Pace Infrastructure Systems Specialists to conduct extensive CCTV inspections of the municipal storm drain system. The project will provide in-pipe video assessment for approximately 108,000 lineal feet of storm drain mains, manholes, and lateral pipes. Funded through the city's FY26 Stormwater Funds, the contract came in significantly under the $250,000 project budget. The initiative is designed to establish a baseline condition assessment for the city's stormwater network. According to city documents, the condition, pipe type, and location of many storm drain structures are currently unknown. The inspection data, including sediment accumulation levels, will be integrated into the city's GIS to help the stormwater program prioritize maintenance and program future capital projects. During the March 9 meeting, a council member questioned the unusually wide spread among the seven bids received, which ranged from the winning $120,019 proposal to a high of $988,846 from an out-of-state firm. City Engineer Mac Fogelsong explained that the discrepancy was largely geographic. "We had a couple of out-of-state firms... and those were the ones with the large numbers," Fogelsong told the council, noting that the lowest bids came from local contractors. He also highlighted a favorable market shift for the city's maintenance efforts, adding, "The good news is we're seeing this service sort of year over year decreasing in price." In a separate utility action, the council approved a $118,637 contract to 7F Services for annual sediment hauling at the Billings Water Treatment Plant. The routine maintenance project removes dredged material from the plant's drying facility, ensuring that the raw water intake on the Yellowstone River remains open and maintains adequate capacity to supply the city.