Kemmerer local news summary

City to prioritize infrastructure, law enforcement with $1.25 million in industrial impact funds

Council paves way for new light industrial zone near Justice Center

Airport lighting upgrade nears completion

Winter recreation programs see strong turnout

Parks department prepares for winter and holidays

County advances $500,000 to Star Valley Health

Industrial growth projects continue to progress

County partners on new modular sewer facility in south Lincoln

Planning grant funds to shift to rail and transit studies

Road conditions a topic of concern

Commission to explore livestreaming meetings

City to prioritize infrastructure, law enforcement with $1.25 million in industrial impact funds

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The Kemmerer City Council has directed staff to prioritize spending an anticipated $1.25 million in industrial siting impact-assistance funds under Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Act on streets, law enforcement and public utilities. The funds are intended to mitigate the local impact of a nearby industrial project. Council members identified the Canyon Road corridor as a top priority for road improvements, citing its proximity to new and remodeled housing expected to be used by the temporary workforce. The final funding amount could increase to as much as $2.8 million if neighboring Sublette County does not pass its fifth-penny tax, which would change the allocation from a population-based formula to a replacement-cost model, with a significant portion earmarked specifically for Canyon Road.

Council paves way for new light industrial zone near Justice Center

KEMMERER, Wyo. - In a move aimed at future economic development, the council unanimously approved a resolution to amend the city’s comprehensive plan and future land use map. The change allows for city- and county-owned parcels located on Highway 30 between a nearby subdivision and the Lincoln County Justice Center to be considered for light industrial, commercial or public use. This procedural step is a prerequisite for the zoning board to formally consider rezoning the largely undeveloped land, which officials believe is ideally suited for a new light industrial park rather than its current residential and agricultural zoning.

Airport lighting upgrade nears completion

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The project to install new LED lights and wind cones at the Kemmerer Municipal Airport is now 90 to 95 percent complete, according to a report from the public works department. The upgrade enhances safety and modernizes the airport’s infrastructure. As part of the project, a new security camera system is scheduled for installation on Nov. 17. The old, functional lights removed during the upgrade are being donated to other regional airports, including Fort Bridger and Spanish Fork, Utah, rather than being discarded.

Winter recreation programs see strong turnout

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Winter programs at the Kemmerer Recreation Center are proving popular, according to a report to the council. The Winter Walking Club has 39 people signed up, kindergarten through second grade indoor soccer has 38 participants and sign-ups have begun for a new Archery Club. The report also noted that pickleball has seen a recent surge in attendance, with all three courts frequently in use as residents move their activities indoors for the colder weather.

Parks department prepares for winter and holidays

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The city is gearing up for winter, with the parks department reporting that a new hockey rink has been ordered for use at the pond. City staff have also begun installing Christmas decorations and wreaths throughout the community in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce. The department is currently using temporary electric heaters to keep City Hall warm while awaiting the delivery of new, permanent heaters ordered in late October.

County advances $500,000 to Star Valley Health

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - The Lincoln County Commission voted Tuesday to advance $500,000 to the North Lincoln County Hospital District to help Star Valley Health navigate a period of financial strain. County Treasurer Jerry Greenfield recommended the advance, explaining that a recent 25 percent tax reduction means the district faces a revenue loss of nearly half a million dollars over the next two months. The funds, advanced from the district’s future mill levy distributions, will assist with immediate cash flow. Greenfield said he believes the county will recover the advanced funds by the first part of next year.

Industrial growth projects continue to progress

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Chief of Staff Stephen Allen delivered an update on numerous economic development and industrial items. He reported on weekly meetings for the South Lincoln Industrial Park, an upcoming industrial siting pre-hearing for Blue Spruce Operating’s Dry Piney Helium & Carbon Sequestration Project near LaBarge, continuing engagement with ExxonMobil, ongoing due diligence for a separate industrial project and planning for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

County partners on new modular sewer facility in south Lincoln

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - The county approved an agreement with the Kemmerer/Diamondville Water & Wastewater Joint Powers Board to develop an alternate modular sewer facility, supporting infrastructure needs and development in southern Lincoln County.

Planning grant funds to shift to rail and transit studies

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Federal planning funds originally envisioned for electric vehicle-related work will instead be used to analyze transit and freight rail alternatives for Lincoln County, Grant Proposal Writer Mary Crosby reported. Crosby noted the priorities of a 2022 federal planning grant have evolved since the application, aligning with commuter and freight needs south of Kemmerer. Chairman Kent Connelly also noted the growing importance of rail spurs for industrial users such as TerraPower and ExxonMobil.

Road conditions a topic of concern

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Commissioners addressed public concerns over the condition and maintenance of several local and federal roads. Chairman Kent Connelly reported calls from residents regarding the Lander Trail not being restored. Commissioner Melvin Shumway added that recent wet weather has delayed scheduled work on Fish Creek Road.

Commission to explore livestreaming meetings

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyo. - Following requests from the towns of Alpine and Thayne and the Lincoln County Republican Party, the Board of Commissioners will formally explore options to livestream public meetings. Cost has been a recurring hurdle. Information Technology and Geographic Information Systems Director Destry Dearden was directed to research platforms, potential costs and staffing needs and present options within 30 days. A deputy county attorney also discussed the need to establish a public comment policy if meetings are broadcast live.

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