Amanda Cooley, Powell County Planner and Ann O'Toole, GIS Tech, and a Planning Office administrative assistant describe the location of the newly permitted cell phone tower in the Ovando area.
Bridger Tower Corporation's application for placing a cell phone tower near Highway 200, approximately 4.2 miles west of Ovando on the north side of Highway 200 was approved with one nay at the Powell County Planning Board public meeting Sept. 7.
The project now moves on to the Powell County Commissioners for final approval. The application for the conditional use permit is for a 195 foot tall cell tower supported with three sets of guy wires. The height of 195 feet is 30 feet taller than Big Gus, the largest western larch tree located near Seeley Lake.
All resources have been exhausted in finding an existing Wireless Telecommunications facility (WFC) to satisfy coverage objectives by the carrier, said Bridger Tower Corporation in the application. The site was chosen for its proximity to the weakest cell coverage in the area, while including Ovando in the service coverage area.
"We negotiated for
several months with the landowners of Monture Hill, south of Highway 200," said Jason Evans, Verizon site acquisition specialist. "It's a higher spot and might reach more homes but the landowners were not interested."
In early spring of 2023, Bridger Tower contacted Bonnie Gilbert about tower installation on her property on the north side of Highway 200. Gilbert said she supported the cell tower after having an emergency with her mother.
"My mother was trapped in this area under a four-wheeler for 28 hours and got badly sunburned in the hot sun," Gilbert said. "If there was cell service and she had a phone she could have called for help and we could have found her much sooner."
Fifteen years ago there was significant discussion in Ovando and Helmville about a proposed cell tower. Both communities hoped for service with one tower. The location chosen was at the junction of Lower Dry Gulch Road and Highway 200.
The AT&T tower installed was never attached to cellular infrastructure due to budget problems, said Evans. Recently that tower was removed by the service owner.
"In the past a cell tower could be placed on a mountain top and the signal would carry for miles," Evans said. "Today's technology has changed to a data-driven model where the phone use is secondary to having data service available for apps. The expected range of this tower will be a five mile radius circle, which will reach Ovando."
Powell County Planning Board recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit for several reasons. Improving cell service agrees with county plans to accommodate growth, encourage diversified economy, preserve the identity and character of communities and minimize conflicts with agriculture.
The proposed wireless telecommunications facility will allow high speed internet to Ovando which has the potential to bolster home-based businesses and industries.
"This development meets a critical need for cellular service in Powell County," stated the Planning Board. Helping (to) improve the quality of life of surrounding residents (who) will benefit from having cell phone service in the currently underserved area. Plus providing service for fire, police and protection services in this area of Highway 200 adjacent to and including Ovando."
"Everyone can agree that cell service in that area is a critical thing to have," said Gavin Roselles, Powell County Sheriff. "Our dispatch technology depends on the internet for notifications. Ovando and Helmville emergency crews suffer the most from lack of cell service."
Bridger Towers said that their tenant Verizon is seeking better coverage and network connection along this stretch of Highway 200. Verizon will be the anchor tenant with space allowed for three additional wireless companies.
A contract between Verizon and Bridger Towers will be on file with the Conditional Use Permit.
The tower will not be lighted since it is below the 200 foot minimum for lights according to FAA regulations, Evans said.
Public comments were largely in favor of the cell tower. Other comments hoped for coverage to Helmville and expressed concern that US Fish and Wildlife Best Practices for bird habitat would be considered since the area has numerous ponds used by waterfowl.
Existing access roads to the proposed installation site will be used in addition to installing 300 feet of road to the exact site. An eight-foot cyclone fence will encircle the tower site. There is an extensive fire mitigation plan and a weed management plan, said Amanda Cooley, Powell County Planner.
"A six month Environmental Assessment will be done with local agencies," Evans said. "Potentially construction could start in Spring 2024."
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