SALT LAKE CITY — During one of the worst fire seasons in years, a new fire protection water system has been completed at the Cove Fort Historic Site, the result of a cooperative effort by the federal government, Millard County and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Seeing a dire need for additional water given existing fire danger, the Church sought assistance from Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Water Association and Millard County officials. The new system will provide water for both Cove Fort and nearby county residents. Several fire hydrants were installed by the Church for use by local citizens.
"Local officials went out of their way to assist the Church in developing the best possible system to benefit the greatest number of people," said William Terry, a Church construction manager who supervised engineering work on the system. Dr. Aaron Bigler, a Millard County landowner and Salt Lake physician, donated an existing well as the primary water source for the project.
The efforts of Millard County citizens and Church volunteers were praised by Dave Christensen, facilities manager for Church properties in Fillmore. "Volunteers with range management experience and engineering savvy provided critical skills and know-how to complete this project," Christensen said. Harvey Croft, a retired engineer serving as a volunteer at Cove Fort, was the on-site inspector during construction of the system. John Orton Excavating of Cedar City was lead contractor on the project.
A luncheon at Cove Fort on Friday, 19 July, at 1:00 p.m. will celebrate the completion of this water improvement and fire protection system and honor the government agencies and volunteers who worked on the three-year project.