Torrington local news summary

Council Approves $1.36 Million Airport Terminal Project Despite High Costs

City Awards $800,000 Sewer Lining Project Funded Entirely by Grant

Official Hours Set for New Pickleball Courts

Fire Department Plans Community Events, Joint Prison Drill

Councilman Praises CattleWomen for Downtown Beautification

Council Approves $1.36 Million Airport Terminal Project Despite High Costs

TORRINGTON - The Torrington City Council awarded a nearly $1.2 million construction bid to Dietzler Construction Corp. for a new airport terminal building, bringing the total project cost to $1,359,027.15. The bid came in 48.7% over the engineer’s estimate, prompting significant discussion among council members. Director of Public Works Jeff Harkins explained that rebidding the project was not a viable option, as it could have cost the city more in the long run. The project’s complex funding relies on federal, state, and city money, including borrowing against the airport’s future entitlement funds for two years. The new 1,855-square-foot, single-story metal building will replace the current aging facility, which dates back to around 1952. The airport will remain fully operational during construction, which is expected to begin next spring.

City Awards $800,000 Sewer Lining Project Funded Entirely by Grant

TORRINGTON - A major sewer and manhole improvement project will proceed at no direct cost to local taxpayers after the City Council awarded a $684,747.73 bid to Insituform Technologies. The project, which has a total budget of $800,000 including a contingency, is 100% funded through a Community Development Block Grant. The work will involve lining over 14,000 feet of existing 8-inch sewer pipes and applying protective coating to over 440 vertical feet of manholes. Public Works Director Jeff Harkins praised the “no-dig” technology, where a liner is inserted into old pipes and cured, sealing them for an estimated 50-plus years without having to excavate streets.

Official Hours Set for New Pickleball Courts

TORRINGTON - The City Council gave its final approval to an ordinance setting the official hours for Torrington’s new pickleball courts. On its third reading, the ordinance amended the municipal code for park hours, establishing that the courts, located just north of the swimming pool, will be open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. In response to a question from the council, a city official confirmed that signs displaying the new hours have already been ordered and will be installed soon to ensure users are aware of the regulations.

Fire Department Plans Community Events, Joint Prison Drill

TORRINGTON - Torrington Fire Chief Luis Correa reported that while the department has thankfully been slow with fire calls, it has several community engagement events planned. On September 4th, firefighters will conduct a joint training exercise with the Wyoming Department of Corrections at the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) to familiarize themselves with the facility. The department will also participate in Safe Kids Day at the fairgrounds on September 6th to educate children on fire safety. Finally, the fire and police departments will team up for the “Guns and Hoses” blood drive on Friday, September 12th, at the fire hall.

Councilman Praises CattleWomen for Downtown Beautification

TORRINGTON - During the public comment period, Councilman Shane Viktorin publicly thanked the Goshen County CattleWomen for their recent efforts to beautify downtown Torrington. He specifically pointed to new banners that recognize Goshen County as the “Cattle Capital of Wyoming” and a new billboard located above the Class Act building. Viktorin noted the billboard, which faces south, has replaced a previously “unsightly” sign and is a welcome addition for northbound traffic entering the city on Highway 85.

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