State Elected Officials Approve Community Grants

Community Readiness

• Saratoga Carbon County Impact Joint Powers Board requests a $1 million grant for the extension of necessary water and sewer infrastructure to a 5–acre site located on the west end of the Town of Saratoga. The project will expand water and sewer infrastructure to a site targeted for commercial growth and assist in the construction of a new 42,000 square-foot healthcare facility. (SLIB approved funding up to $1 million as requested contingent on the approval of a pending USDA loan.)

Community Enhancement

• Washakie County requests $500,000 for renovations of the former Ace Hardware building to be used for the Washakie County Library, Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce and the Washakie Development Association. Space will be created for business incubation, entrepreneurial use and workforce training. (SLIB approved funding as requested.)
  

Planning

• The City of Evanston and Uinta County request $50,000 ($25,000 each) to conduct a detailed architectural/engineering assessment and redevelopment plan for a portion of the existing historic Wyoming State Hospital campus for various economic, educational, community and other development opportunities. (SLIB approved funding as requested.)

• The Town of Moorcroft requests an $18,750 grant to hire a consulting firm to prepare a feasibility study for the improvement and growth of the Moorcroft Town Center. The study will define potential economic growth opportunities, stimulate additional employment, prioritize cost-effective renovation projects and identify other possible building uses with a focus on improving the community of Moorcroft and Crook County. (SLIB approved funding in the amount of $43,750 for a comprehensive Economic & Community Development Plan.)

• The Town of Pine Bluffs requests an $18,750 grant to ascertain the feasibility of an assisted living facility on three properties identified by the town. The proposed study will conduct comprehensive research and review data to include the community’s economic indicators, competitive senior assisted living availability and facility demand generators. The study will also research Pine Bluffs and the surrounding areas to determine the viability of supporting development potential. (SLIB approved funding in the amount of $43,750 for a comprehensive Economic & Community Development Plan.)