Pinedale local news summary

Airport Moves Forward with 2-Hour Firewall Requirement for New Hangars

High Cost of Fire Suppression System Looms Over Airport Expansion

Town Explores Extending Water Line to Pinedale Airport

County Designates Pinedale Roundup as Official Newspaper

Pinedale Aquatic Center Proposes Takeover of Ice Arena Operations

Commission Seeks Closer Tracking of Project Costs Against Bids

South Piney Bridge Replacement to Begin This Winter

Commissioners Approve Over $12,000 for Bike Path Repairs

Fire Chief Praises Partnership with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS During Major Incidents

Airport Moves Forward with 2-Hour Firewall Requirement for New Hangars

PINEDALE – In a key decision for the future of the Pinedale Airport, the council approved a recommendation from the Airport Board to require 2-hour firewalls in the planned new transient hangar and all future hangars. This requirement allows for more flexible spacing between the large structures, preserving valuable apron frontage for future development. Without the firewalls, state code would mandate a 50-foot separation between hangars, limiting the number and size of buildings that could be constructed on the airport’s prime real estate.

High Cost of Fire Suppression System Looms Over Airport Expansion

PINEDALE – A discussion about new airport hangars brought a major potential expense to light: the requirement for a fire suppression system. According to the State Fire Marshal, any new hangar larger than 12,000 square feet must have fire suppression. Because the airport lacks a municipal water line, this would necessitate a costly system of large storage tanks and pumps, with one council member noting a similar system recently cost $400,000. The council will receive cost estimates to weigh the benefits of a larger, 15,000-square-foot hangar against the substantial cost of a suppression system.

Town Explores Extending Water Line to Pinedale Airport

PINEDALE – The high cost of a standalone fire suppression system at the airport has renewed discussion about extending the town’s municipal water line to the facility. Council members noted that such an infrastructure project could solve the airport's fire suppression needs while also potentially serving other residents and communities, such as Barger. Extending the service area could also help distribute costs for all town water users. The project would be a critical step if the airport were to become a full-time aerial firefighting base, which is currently in discussions with the Forest Service.

County Designates Pinedale Roundup as Official Newspaper

SUBLETTE COUNTY- In a move to support local business, the Sublette County Commission voted Tuesday to designate the newly reopened Pinedale Roundup as its official newspaper of record for legal notices. The decision moves the county’s official publications from the Rock Springs Rocket Miner, which had been selected as a temporary measure after the Roundup’s brief closure. Commissioners acknowledged the significant cost difference between the papers—the Roundup’s rate is $18.50 per column inch compared to the Rocket Miner’s $6.50—but cited the importance of investing in a local entity that employs residents and contributes to the community. The commission expressed gratitude to the Rocket Miner for providing its services during the transition period.

Pinedale Aquatic Center Proposes Takeover of Ice Arena Operations

SUBLETTE COUNTY - The Pinedale Aquatic Center (PAC) board presented a feasibility study to the commission outlining a proposal to take over the management and operations of the Sublette County Ice Arena. The PAC believes its expertise in recreation management could increase the facility's community use, enhance programming, and create operational efficiencies, potentially saving the county over $100,000 annually. Commissioners raised several points of discussion, including concerns about honoring a reversion clause in the property’s deed that requires 51% of its use be for hockey, and a desire to give current rink employees a chance to meet new goals. No action was taken, as the presentation was intended to open a broader conversation about the facility's future.

South Piney Bridge Replacement to Begin This Winter

SUBLETTE COUNTY - Work on the long-awaited replacement of the South Piney Bridge is set to begin soon, with the majority of construction planned to take place over the winter months. Officials confirmed the project has been awarded to a contractor and is now in the materials acquisition phase. The project has incurred significant engineering costs due to complexities, including the presence of nearby gas lines. The new bridge is expected to be completed by spring.

Commissioners Approve Over $12,000 for Bike Path Repairs

SUBLETTE COUNTY - The commission unanimously approved an expenditure of $12,848.56 for immediate repairs to sections of the community’s bike path system. Public Works will use a "dura patch" method to fill wide cracks and smooth out rough bridge abutments on the trails near Split Diamond and Shelter Park. The work is considered a temporary fix to address significant safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians, making the paths smoother and reducing tripping hazards until a more permanent solution can be planned.

Fire Chief Praises Partnership with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS During Major Incidents

SUBLETTE COUNTY - Sublette County Unified Fire Chief Shad Cooper publicly recognized the "outstanding support" provided by Jackson Hole Fire/EMS during the recent Dollar Lake and a recent haystack fire. In a letter of appreciation, the chief thanked the neighboring department for its professionalism and skill, noting their assistance came at a critical time and made a significant difference in protecting lives and property. He explained that while Jackson’s assistance on the Dollar Lake fire will be compensated through the state’s emergency fire suppression account, their help on the haystack fire was provided under a mutual aid agreement at no cost to the county.

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