After more than a decade of persistent challenges and years of dedicated planning, the Green Acres community is approaching the finish line on a transformative infrastructure project. The nearly $1.2 million sewer system upgrade marks a major turning point for the Resident Owned Community (ROC), which has struggled with a failing septic system since purchasing the property in 2010.
For years, Green Acres faced ongoing issues including collapsing clay sewer pipes, persistent odors, sewage backups into homes and yards, and costly maintenance. The community spent thousands of dollars annually just to keep the aging system functioning. As Board Operations member Marty Cahill recalled, “We found out that we had clay sewer pipes collapsing and causing sewer to back up in the house and yards.” Board Secretary Lori Meyer added, “Constant sewer smell. Sewer in the yards…”
Recognizing the urgent need for a long-term solution, Green Acres partnered with NWMT over five years ago to pursue funding. Their persistence paid off, securing more than $830,000 in grants, including $750,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and $80,000 from the Montana Water and Community Conservation (WMCC) program. Additional funding came through a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan, which includes approximately $168,000 in forgiveness, along with contributions from the community itself.
Construction officially began in October 2025. Despite a brief winter shutdown, a relatively mild season allowed the project to maintain strong momentum. Contractor KG&T of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, began work on the main road, installing the primary sewer line that will connect directly to the City of Kalispell. From there, crews extended new sewer lines throughout each court and connected individual households to the new system.
The project is now in its final stages, with plans to complete the official connection to the City of Kalispell by the end of April and wrap up paving and construction by the end of May.
Throughout the process, the Green Acres Board emphasized communication and transparency. Board President Trisha Fauth highlighted the importance of keeping members informed: “Be as transparent as you possibly can… making sure it is an agenda item that is not missed at every meeting for any and all updates.” The Board and Property Manager distributed flyers, hosted numerous member meetings, and consistently discussed the project at board meetings for over a year before breaking ground.
That effort has not gone unnoticed. Board Vice President Stephen McClain reflected on the collaboration with the project team: “It’s been really good. You’re going to have problems [in construction], and they dealt with a lot of unexpected issues… they’ve been out there in all kinds of nasty conditions and they keep going… they couldn’t be nicer to anybody in here.”
The project has also strengthened relationships—not only with partners like the City of Kalispell, KG&T, and engineering firm WGM—but within the community itself. Residents adapted to construction disruptions, coordinating parking and supporting one another. “It has brought a lot of people together also because we have to work with each other,” Cahill noted. Small acts of kindness, like residents inviting construction workers in for a Thanksgiving meal or delivering donuts, further reflect the community spirit that has emerged.
Board members encourage other communities considering similar projects to move forward with determination—but also with patience and realistic expectations. “Go for it. The benefits outweigh the negatives,” said Meyer. McClain added, “Have realistic expectations. The hardest thing is people wanting instant answers for every single thing that can’t be known.” Cahill’s advice was simple: “Be patient.”
Equally important is early due diligence. McClain emphasized that communities looking to become ROCs should thoroughly assess infrastructure during the purchase process. In Green Acres’ case, underlying system failures were likely known but not addressed by the previous owner. Without grant funding, he noted, “we’d be in real trouble… it made it stay affordable.”
Now, as the project nears completion, the sense of relief and accomplishment is clear. “So relieved… we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the grants,” Meyer shared. Cahill echoed a feeling of increased stability: “More secure.”
When asked what they are most proud of, the Board’s answers reflect both environmental and community impacts. “That Green Acres is no longer polluting our community,” said Meyer. McClain pointed to strong communication efforts, while Fauth highlighted member engagement: “I’m also very proud of our Member participation… we have had so many meetings in the last year and a lot of people are showing up. That has been fantastic!”
Ultimately, the Green Acres sewer project represents more than new infrastructure. It’s a story of resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
