When Williams started construction on a new communications tower near Wamsutter, Wyoming, earlier this year, it was a tall order.

Crews had just weeks to erect the 100-foot tower in the most extreme conditions: drifting snow, blustery winds and sub-zero temperatures. The tower completes a critical link in maintaining reliable data communication between the Echo Springs Gas Plant and remote compression facilities.

“The project team did a phenomenal job getting this done in such a small timeframe in horrendous weather,” said Kristy Stoll, a land rep for Williams.

A key stakeholder for Williams took notice. The Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM) asked to install a radio repeater on the tower so that firefighters could communicate during wildfires, which could threaten Williams assets.

Williams obliged and at no cost to the BLM for sharing the tower.

Named the Continental Divide Communications Tower, the structure brought together, rather than divided, Williams and a key partner in Wyoming.

“The tower height was perfect, and it was exactly what we needed. It’s vitally important to all of our interests,” said Vance Anderson, telecommunications program manager for the Wyoming BLM.

That’s what neighbors do, said Stoll. They help each other out. 

Project manager Bob Fischer praised the relationship that Stoll has fostered with BLM over the past few years.

“In the southwest Wyoming and Wamsutter operating areas, the BLM plays a major role in almost every project,” he said. “Kristy’s work has been essential to our operations and partnership with stakeholders like BLM.”