GOSHEN MAIN STREET DESIGNATED AS A NATIONAL CERTIFIED MAIN STREET
Torrington, WY – On behalf of Main Street businesses throughout Goshen County, Goshen Economic Development began the process of becoming a National Certified Main Street three years ago. The process included the addition of events such as 3rd Thursday’s and expansion of existing events such as Holiday activities. National Main Street Certification creates national exposure, provides additional grant funding opportunities, and results in a cohesive community.
GOSHEN COUNTY TARGETED BROWNFIELDS STUDY
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Goshen Economic Development is currently partnering with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) in conducting a Targeted Brownfields Study - an initiative to explore the potential redevelopment of two Goshen County properties eligible for environmental assessment funding under the WDEQ Brownfields Assistance (BA) program.The WDEQ BA program helps local governments investigate, clean up, and reuse brownfields properties.
WHAT IS A BROWNFIELD?
A brownfield is a property for which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Like many communities in Wyoming, Goshen County has properties that are abandoned or underutilized because of known or suspected contamination.
PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
To kick off this project, a basic environmental assessment was conducted to determine the likelihood that various types of hazardous substances or contaminants may be present on the properties. Dependent upon the results of the Feasibility phase, more in-depth environmental assessments may be conducted to determine whether and how the sites can be reclaimed to safe levels in order to be suitable for the proposed reuses identified in the Feasibility phase.
DETERMINING REUSE FEASIBILITY
The first phase of the Targeted Brownfields Study (the Study) focuses on determining the feasibility of cleaning up and redeveloping the identified properties. The Feasibility phase will be conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, and will include:
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Assessment of specific community needs that could be met by the redevelopment of the Properties
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Identification of redevelopment options for the subject Properties, pending outcomes of environmental data results, and concurrence of property owners
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Identification of potential building tenants and their needs
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Estimated long-term maintenance costs
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Potential public and private partnerships
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Development of conceptual site and building plans estimated budget and schedule
COMMUNITY INPUT
Community priorities are a key component in brownfield redevelopment planning. In January and early February 2021, Goshen County residents were invited to respond to a community survey to will help the study team as they evaluate the feasibility of various types of reuse for two brownfield properties in Goshen County.
Survey results are now being compiled for inclusion in the feasibility study.