by Ben Neary, Associated Press
CHEYENNE — Wyoming officials are set to consider a proposal to provide $3.4 million in state funding for construction of a barley malting plant in Pine Bluffs.
The Wyoming Business Council has recommended the state Loan and Investment Board approve a combination grant and loan for the project. The board, which includes Gov. Matt Mead and other statewide elected officials, is expected to consider the project next week.
Thomas Johnson, chief performance officer for the Wyoming Business Council, said the proposed state funding includes a $2.8 million grant from the state's Business Ready Communities program and a $557,000 loan through the program.
The state funding would cover construction of the 20,000-square-foot facility at Pine Bluffs Business Park by Laramie County, working with Cheyenne LEADS, the local economic development organization.
The facility would then be leased to two newly created companies, Wyoming Malted Co. and Pine Bluffs Distilling, owned by Pine Bluffs residents Gene Purdy and Chad Brown. Attempts to reach Purdy and Brown for comment were not immediately successful on Thursday.
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Source: Casper Star Tribune
