Kemmerer local news summary
Week of January 21, 2026
City considers mobile micro-factory to address housing shortage
Council approves economic finding to negotiate land sale for factory
Economic coalition warns of incoming 'tsunami' of workforce demand
Downtown business owners oppose permanent stage at Triangle Park
City implements proactive communication for snow removal operations
Connelly appointed chairman in leadership reorganization
Conflict of interest concerns stall infrastructure district discussion
Support ratified for TerraPower nuclear project
Zoning permit presented for Kemmerer nuclear facility
Three new subdivisions approved in planning session
Commissioners approve $740,000 change order for courtroom addition
Forest Service reports on wildfire mitigation and timber projects
City considers mobile micro-factory to address housing shortage
KEMMERER, Wyo. — Mark Germain, of Canyon Road Development, presented a proposal to bring a Cuby mobile micro-manufacturing facility to Kemmerer to address the critical housing shortage anticipated with the TerraPower project. Germain stated the factory, which would be located on a 6.41-acre pad, could produce 200 homes per year and employ approximately 300 people, with at least 150 of those positions based locally. The facility utilizes unskilled labor trained on-site to assemble home kits, which proponents argue will lower construction costs to approximately $100 to $110 per square foot before overhead.
Council approves economic finding to negotiate land sale for factory
KEMMERER, Wyo. — Following the factory presentation, the city council unanimously passed Resolution 2025-869, making an official finding that the sale of 6.41 acres of city property east of the Justice Center would provide an economic benefit to the community. By passing this resolution, the council is legally permitted to bypass the standard open-bid process and enter direct negotiations with a specific entity. City Administrator Brian Muir noted the project is expected to generate new jobs and sales tax revenue while increasing the availability of affordable housing.
Economic coalition warns of incoming 'tsunami' of workforce demand
KEMMERER, Wyo. — Sarah Dayton, representing the South Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, and Mark Germain provided data regarding the significant workforce demand approaching Lincoln County due to TerraPower, Bechtel, and other energy projects. Germain cited a demand study indicating a potential for 6,000 new positions in the region, creating a massive need for housing. The study suggests the city must prepare for a peak construction workforce followed by a stabilization period, requiring a rapid increase in housing inventory.
Downtown business owners oppose permanent stage at Triangle Park
KEMMERER, Wyo. — Several residents and business owners, including representatives from the Fossil Basin Chamber of Commerce and local property owners, spoke against a proposal to build a permanent stage in Triangle Park. Speakers argued that a permanent structure would clutter the park, obscure business storefronts, and limit the flexibility of the space for various events. Following the public comments, Mayor Robert Bowen—who had previously supported the idea—stated he would not "battle over a stage" given the opposition, though other council members suggested looking at conceptual designs before making a final decision.
City implements proactive communication for snow removal operations
KEMMERER, Wyo. — City officials directed staff to implement a more proactive notification system regarding snow removal to improve compliance with parking ordinances. The administration requested that the police department and Public Works Department coordinate to send citizen alerts via text and email 24 hours in advance when significant storms are forecast. Officials also clarified that while the "two-inch rule" for plowing is standard, department heads should use discretion regarding call-outs during overnight hours to ensure efficiency.
Connelly appointed chairman in leadership reorganization
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - During the first meeting of the new year, the Board of Lincoln County Commissioners reorganized its leadership structure. The board voted unanimously to appoint Commissioner Kent Connelly as commission chairman. Subsequently, the commission selected Commissioner Teri Bowers to serve as vice chairman for the upcoming year.
Conflict of interest concerns stall infrastructure district discussion
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - A proposal to form an improvement and service district (ISD) sparked debate regarding a potential conflict of interest involving County Treasurer Jerry Greenfield. While a management company argued the ISD is a necessary financial vehicle to bring investment to the county, Deputy Attorney Austin Dunlap expressed concern over Greenfield serving on the ISD board while simultaneously holding the office of treasurer. Greenfield, who owns land within the proposed district, reportedly argued that failing to form the ISD could cost the county $1.5 billion in assessed value. The commissioners did not make a final decision and recommended further legal consultation.
Support ratified for TerraPower nuclear project
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - The Board of Lincoln County Commissioners voted unanimously to ratify a letter of support sent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding TerraPower. The letter, dated Jan. 2, 2026, formally backs the nuclear energy company's efforts in the region.
Zoning permit presented for Kemmerer nuclear facility
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Planner Katie Gipson presented the monthly land use permits to the commission, highlighted by a significant zoning permit for the Kemmerer Unit I Nuclear Island. The facility, part of the ongoing nuclear energy development in the region, comprises approximately 80,000 square feet.
Three new subdivisions approved in planning session
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - The commission approved three separate subdivision applications following recommendations from the planning department. The approvals included the Eagle Crest subdivision, the Trespass Ranch subdivision, and the Johnson Foothills subdivision. All three motions were passed unanimously after planners presented findings of approval and resolutions for each file.
Commissioners approve $740,000 change order for courtroom addition
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - The commission unanimously approved a change order for the Lincoln County District Court addition, adding $739,918.57 to the project's cost. County staff reported that while the original budget overage was nearly $1.2 million due to tenant improvement overages, cost savings on masonry, electrical and landscaping reduced the final increase. The total cost for the courtroom addition project now stands at $14,460,500.18.
Forest Service reports on wildfire mitigation and timber projects
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Adam Calkins, district ranger for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, provided an agency update highlighting that there were no human-caused wildfires in the district recently, with the largest natural blaze being the 4,000-acre Willow Creek Fire. Calkins reported that the agency has completed 370 acres of thinning work and 2,000 acres of total fuels work, including prescribed burns. He also noted that several projects, including the Commissary Ridge Trails and Big Springs site improvements, remain dependent on future funding.
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