On Wednesday (10-03-18), Buffalo city officials will meet with the Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to plead their case for funding to finish the Buffalo Technology Park. On Thursday of this week, the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) will make the final decision on whether or not to fund the remainder of this project. Buffalo Mayor Mike Johnson says having high tech, build ready sites available will allow Buffalo to compete with Sheridan and Gillette to attract new businesses and local businesses seeking expansion.
The total cost of the Buffalo Technology Park is $2.2 million, which is less than the original estimate of $2.8 million. The Wyoming Business Council initially recommended not funding the remainder of this project, however at a later meeting the full board recommended funding an additional $720,000.
Buffalo was granted $1 million by SLIB to begin this project. A big reason for that was the Lobban Street project came in $750,000 below budget. So SLIB took that money and added another $250,000 to award Buffalo $1 million to fund the first phase of the Tech Park.
This proposed technology park would essentially be large, ready to build on lots outfitted with high speed fiber optic internet and other high tech equipment. The proposed technology park would be located east of Buffalo, off TW Road (what is now a large empty lot east of the water treatment plant).
Buffalo Mayor Mike Johnson was a recent guest on KBBS’ “Community Speaks” program and discussed this proposed Tech Park. Listen to that conversation here…
