Lingle’s new community center building has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.
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A big step forward
WBC approves funds for Lingle community center
Posted
Crystal R. Albers
LINGLE – Lingle’s new community center building has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.
Earlier this month, representatives from the town of Lingle, Goshen County Economic Development Corporation, the Goshen County Commissioners, Benchmark and more, presented to the Wyoming Business Council board of directors in Cheyenne and received preliminary approval for a $365,567 Community Enhancement grant.
The town hopes to use the funds to demolish the current Lingle Legion Post No. 63 building, located at 229 Main St., and renovate an existing facility located at 237 Main St., adjacent to the Legion Hall, for a community multi-use facility.
The current building dates back to 1918 and does not meet safety codes, nor is it compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
“Demolition of the building will leave a vacant space on Main Street,” official proposal documents explain. “The loss of the building also leaves residents without access to a storm shelter or community gathering space. If the town is not able to build a new facility, residents will be forced to go outside of the community to host activities, creating hardship for the large elderly population and requiring traveling further distances for family related events and other activities.”
Residents plan to utilize the facility for meetings, gatherings, elections, wedding receptions, graduation celebrations, showers and craft fairs. In addition, the new building will act as home base for the Legion Post. No. 63 and Women’s Auxiliary.
“This is a huge win for the Town of Lingle, as this project will make a giant impact on Main Street,” representatives stated on the town’s social media page. “We have had some hard workers on this project – our very own Mayor George (Siglin), Goshen County Economic Development staff, County Commissioner Wally Wolski, Bob Taylor of Benchmark and Cactus Covello, who lobbied hard for us behind the scenes. If you run into these individuals anywhere, please be sure to give them a huge ‘thank you’, as they are well deserving of it.”
The total project cost is $1,041,700, including a $40,000 Goshen County Economic Development grant, $500,000 loan from Points West Community Bank, $45,000 in cash from the town, and a $7,000 Black Hills Energy grant that was pending at the time of
the presentation.
“We are so excited, and we just want to say how thankful we are,” Lingle Clerk-Treasurer Michele Sussex said. Council members began discussing the project more than a year ago.
Before the town receives any funding, however, it must present to and receive approval from the State Land and Investment Board on Jan. 18.