Jackson projects win preliminary state funding approval

Several western Wyoming projects were among 20 Business Ready Community Program grant requests considered for state financial assistance Thursday. The grant requests totaled $18.5 million.

The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors recommended approval of a one million dollar grant and $500 thousand loan to help the town of Jackson make improvements at Snow King Mountain Resort. The recommendation now goes to the State Loan and Investment Board.

The board also recommended full funding of a $1.5 million grant for Vertical Harvest of Jackson Hole. If approved, it would round out a three year fund-raising effort to develop a hydroponic vertical growing area in Jackson.

The Jackson Hole Airport Joint Powers Board also requested a $2 million multi-year Community Readiness Grant and a $3 million multi-year loan for an airport expansion project. It was also recommended for full SLIB funding.

The board also recommended full approval of over $1.3 million for Star Valley Medical Center facilities in Afton and Thayne.