For immediate release:
March 31, 2008

For more information contact:

Tom Lacock
Senior Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.2834
Email: tom.lacock@wybusiness.org

Shawn Reese
Investment Ready Communities Director
Wyoming Business Council
Phone: 307.777.2813
Email: shawn.reese@wybusiness.org

Community Facilities Projects to go before SLIB

CHEYENNE – The State Loan and Investment Board will offer final decision on four Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program applications at their 8 a.m. meeting in room B63 of the Herschler Building in Cheyenne, on April 3.

By statute, the Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors forwards all Community Facilities Program applications and their recommendations to the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) for final decision. SLIB is made up of the five statewide elected officials:  Gov. Dave Freudenthal, Secretary of State Max Maxfield, State Treasurer Joe Meyer, State Auditor Rita Meyer and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jim McBride.

The Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program was created by the Wyoming State Legislature in 2005. The program assists communities with grant and loan funding to construct local enhancements to a school building, facility or preserve former school and government facilities that have existing or future community uses. All projects must be related to economic or quality of life development. Facilities may be space for community gatherings and functions, recreational, swimming and athletic facilities for community members, particularly youth.

The Community Facilities Program grant applications which will go before SLIB after receiving positive recommendations from the WBC Board of Directors are:

The town of Kaycee is recommended for a $1.5 million grant for renovation of a former school. The project requires Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) compliance updates, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing updates. The town currently leases space to child care, non-profit and private offices. Once renovations are complete the center will be used for senior gathering, community kitchen, small business incubation, general meeting space and a gymnasium for recreation and school use.

Teton County is recommended for a $600,000 grant to complete renovation of a former and historic schoolhouse. The renovations would include roof, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors, catering kitchen, general interior and landscaping updates, as well as the reinstallation of a cupola to house a bell. The portion of the building that has previously been renovated houses a pre-school center. The remainder of the structure would be used for activities such as social gatherings, club and community meetings and school age youth programming.

The town of Basin is recommended for a total of $750,000 for renovation of the upper floors to the Basin City Arts Center. The space would be renovated to improve flooring, underlayment, roofing, foundation support, ceiling, Americans with Disabilities Act access, restrooms and the addition of a warming kitchen. The refurbished space would provide the community an amenity not otherwise available in town. Plans for use of the space include after-school programming, museum displays, art, dance instruction and room for public and private rentals.

The town of Byron is recommended for a $1,250,270 grant to renovate two structures, the “Lunch Room” and a separate former vocational building. Renovations made through grant funding would include: plumbing; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; electrical; general interior work and an Americans with Disabilities-compliant lift. Once renovated, the Byron Recreation Department will be able to relocate from inadequate facilities; the museum will be operational again after the previous location was condemned and a large community hall and warming kitchen will be available to the public. Town Hall and municipal offices will also be housed in the space.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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