Northeastern Wyoming: Natural Resource from the Past into the Future

Economic development in northeastern Wyoming gained speed around the turn of the twentieth century, pushing the area’s business like a steam locomotive speeding down into a valley. Consistent innovation since has centered around available energy resources, from coal to natural gas and oil. That innovation gave rise to the unique attributes displayed by the local businesses and communities, including a business-friendly tax climate, existing infrastructure, outdoor opportunities and safe, desirable communities. 

The Powder River Energy Corporation, or PRECorp, serves over 13,000 member/owners in the region as northeastern Wyoming’s preferred energy source. It is located in the Powder River Basin, which produces over 40 percent of the nation’s coal and is the largest supplier in the United States. It is also a major producer of oil, natural gas, and uranium.

“PRECorp’s mission is positively influencing and improving lives for those we serve by providing reliable energy and services while paving the way for access and affordability,” said Jeff Bumgarner, PRECorp’s Vice-President of Member Service and current President of Energy Capital Economic Development board of directors. 

Early economic drivers

The area’s historical origins center on the ease of access to natural resources for energy production. In the 1890’s, coal was transported by wagon teams for gold smelting operations. By 1895, the Black Hills Coal Company was founded and began mining coal in Crook County. Shortly after, Powder River Basin coal was needed to drive Western expansion opened up by the steam locomotive. At first, coal was easily obtained from the visible layers around Sheridan for ranchers and farmers to use for fuel. Coal camps, company towns and consolidation occurred into the 1920’s. By the middle of the century, many coal mines closed, as open-pit mining took hold in the region. The rise of natural gas and diesel as viable fuel options to industry and homes also put coal at a disadvantage. 

Major economic drivers now

Industrial innovation continues throughout the area today. As the world asks for cleaner fuel technologies, many businesses within PRECorp’s area are focusing on developing alternative uses for their still-abundant natural resources.  One example is the Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center currently under development at the Fort Union Industrial Park and expected to be open by mid 2021. A joint effort between Energy Capital Economic development, the City of Gillette, Campbell County, State of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, the facility will allow organizations to evaluate lab research at a larger scale for new manufacturing businesses, using coal as their raw material. 

Another is the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, which gives researchers the means to test Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration technologies using actual coal-based flue gas from the Dry Fork Station near Gillette. The facility will be one of only a few locations around the world allowing research at an operating power plant. 

Natural, Historical Communities

Rising out of the industry afforded the natural resource base, the communities PRECorp serves are grand examples of hard working residents, surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings and proud of their heritage. Five counties comprise the majority of PRECorp’s service area, each of which reflect the economies dependent on natural resources. 

Small towns with remarkable business settings dot PRECorp’s service landscape. In addition to the Fort Union Business Park, the Red Devil Drive Park is located in the town of Hulett.  Upton, a town of 1,100 people, is home to the Upton Logistics Center, which is, along with Fort Union, one of the more developed industrial parks in the region.

Beyond the natural resources, northeastern Wyoming is defined by rugged, beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and an endless variety of outdoor experiences. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Bighorn Mountain wilderness in many different fashions. For example, the area's large white tail deer and turkey population attract large numbers of out-of-state hunters. 

And the history of the area is unmatched across the country. Hoofprints of the Past Museum in downtown Kaycee covers the general history of Johnson County with special attention to the Hole-in-the-Wall, John County Invasion, Dull Knife Battlefield, Fort Reno and the Bozeman Trail. More recent attractions are popular too, such as the 1950’s-era United States Air Force radar installation powered by the world's first air transportable atomic power plant atop Warren Peak in Crook County. 

Natural Resource Innovation Drives Future

Coal, natural gas and oil have dominated business in the area for the past century, ensuring a strong economy for northeastern Wyoming. The strong work ethic and dedication to innovation promises to keep the area at the forefront of energy requirements throughout the country. 

“PRECorp plans to be there also, working with its members to be pioneers of excellence and,  through embracing a visionary outlook and leveraging accelerating technologies, will contribute to a prosperous Wyoming for many years to come,” said Bumgarner.