Business Council funds poised to improve community amenities across Wyo

When the Wyoming Business Council started in 1998, economic developers in the state focused on recruiting outside businesses by touting Wyoming’s low taxes and light regulation.

It wasn’t enough.

Companies wanted land with infrastructure like water, gas, electricity, roads and internet access. Two decades ago, Wyoming communities didn’t have enough of those ready-to-build sites available.

The Wyoming Legislature sought to fill that need in 2003 with the Business Ready Community grant and loan program.

Public infrastructure eligible for funding includes water, sewer, roads, airports, rights of way, telecommunications, land, spec buildings, amenities within a business park, landscaping and recreation and educational facilities.

Since then, the state’s economic development agency has contributed $367 million to 352 projects in all 23 counties. Those projects have included 116 miles of roads, 150 miles of water and sewer and 1.7 million square feet of buildings.

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