GILLETTE - The city of Gillette is moving ahead with plans for a 42-mile-long water pipeline.

The pipeline would supply water to Gillette from water wells outlying the city.

Mayor Duane Evenson says the city has been talking with state officials about covering up to two-thirds of the project's $226 million estimated cost. The rest might be covered by a local facilities tax.

Interim City Administrator Mike Muirhead says the decline in the national economy might help the city to land competitive bids for the project.

The project is expected to take four to four-and-a-half years.