The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors, which oversee the state’s economic development agency, recommended approving four projects totaling $3,639,249 during a Dec. 9 meeting in Cheyenne.

The Business Council administers the BRC grant and loan program, which provides financing for planning and publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.

Business Council staff review each application; conduct site visits, or conference calls in the case of planning grants, and make presentations to a board subcommittee before making final recommendations to the full board.

The Business Council board is required by state statute to forward all BRC recommendations to the SLIB for final approval. The SLIB is comprised of the five statewide elected officials: Governor Matt Mead, Secretary of State Ed Murray, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, State Treasurer Mark Gordon and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow.

SLIB meeting materials can be found at here.

BUSINESS READY COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS

BRC Business Committed

• Casper-Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board requests a $1,855,433 grant to build a sewer line along U.S. Highway 20/26 west of Casper. (Board recommends funding in full)

BRC Community Readiness

• Campbell County requests a $1,465,000 grant and a $260,000 loan to buy land and buildings owned by Overland Investments and pave the parking lot. (Board recommends partial funding)

BRC Community Enhancement

• Bear River requests a $380,000 grant to demolish an existing building and build a new community facility on the site. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)
• Chugwater requests a $100,645 grant to demolish restrooms in a town park and replace them with ADA-compliant restrooms, a utility room and a concession area. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)
• Cody requests a $450,644 grant to replace non-ADA-compliant park equipment. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)
• LaBarge requests a $248,816 grant to purchase a building to house a new senior/community center and a food bank. (Board recommends funding in full)
• Newcastle requests a $427,615 grant to build recreation sites. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)

BRC Planning

• Carbon County requests a $25,000 grant to evaluate the need for senior at-risk housing alternatives in the Little Snake River communities. (Board recommends partial funding)
• Glenrock requests a $37,500 grant to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)
• Platte County requests a $22,500 grant to hire an engineering firm to develop the long-range engineering and design needs for upgrades to South Guernsey Road and Tank Farm Road. (Board doesn’t recommend funding)