The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board approved seven Business Ready Community grants and one loan request totaling $4.1 million on Thursday, according to a news release from the Wyoming Business Council.

The SLIB fully funded five requests, partially funded one request, asked for more information about two requests, and denied two requests.

The Business Council administers the grant program, which provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that promotes economic development and diversity.

Counties, towns and cities submit the requests, which are investigated by Business Council staff. If the WBC board approves them, it forwards them for final approval to the State Loan and Investment Board, which is composed of Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Ed Murray, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, State Treasurer Mark Gordon, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow.

These are the actions taken Thursday:

  • Natrona County: The largest fully funded grant request was $1,855,433 to build a sewer line along U.S. Highway 20/26 west of Casper to 33-Mile Road.
  • Bear River: The SLIB awarded the town -- incorporated in 2001 north of Evanston --  $380,000 to demolish a 1980s trailer and build a new community facility on the site.
  • Chugwater: The SLIB awarded $100,645 to demolish restrooms in a park and replace them with Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms, a utility room, a concession area, a covered patio with picnic tables, and a band shelter.
  • LaBarge: The SLIB awarded $248,816 to buy a building for a new senior/community center and a food bank.
  • Platte County: The SLIB awarded $22,500 to hire an engineering firm to develop upgrades to South Guernsey Road and Tank Farm Road.
  • Campbell County: The county had requested a $1,465,000 grant and a $260,000 loan, but the SLIB awarded a $1,240,000 grant and approved a $280,000 loan to buy property owed by Overland Investments.The county will own the property and lease it to Energy Capital Economic Development. APEX -- originally Intertech -- will continue to lease space as an anchor tenant. Energy Capital will market the rest for start-up companies and small businesses. The rent is intended to provide a stable funding source for Energy Capital and will allow the creation of an economic development fund.
  • Carbon County: The county had requested $25,000, but the SLIB awarded $15,000 to evaluate the need for senior at-risk housing alternatives in the Little Snake River communities.
  • Cody: The SLIB tabled a $450,644 grant request to replace non-ADA-compliant park equipment. The board asked the city to submit a grant for a smaller amount.
  • Newcastle: The SLIB declined to grant $427,615 to build recreation sites. It asked the town to identify cost savings.
  • Glenrock: The SLIB also declined to grant $37,500 to develop a comprehensive economic development plan.

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