CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County officials are working to overcome administrative hurdles in order to secure a $1.5 million congressional grant for the new nearly 35,000-square-foot health department building, which has been complicated by shifting federal requirements.
The funds were originally intended for construction of the Casper-Natrona County Health Department facility at the corner of East 12th and South Conwell streets, but that is no longer an option because the building has already begun.
The grant was later reclassified as a “equipment grant.” Federal officials recently revised the terms again, stating that the funds must now be used for “construction equipment,” such as air handlers, lighting, and a generator.
During a Natrona County commissioners’ workshop Tuesday, health department staff confirmed that they resubmitted all necessary documents on Monday and are now awaiting a response.
Two required assessments, an environmental assessment and a historical evaluation of the site, were not completed at the start of the $38.7 million project.
The evaluations had to be completed retroactively, but health department representatives — director Anna Kinder and owner representative Tim Schenk — confirmed they had been accepted several months prior, resolving the issue.
Commissioners acknowledged that Kinder and Schenk inherited a difficult situation after a previous employee left.
“I do realize that you guys got a lot dropped on you and you were trying to play catch-up and your learning curve was a straight line up,” David North, the chairman, said.
Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen thanked the team for their efforts, stating that the previous grant manager “unfortunately did not complete some tasks on time.”
There were some positive developments. The county’s previously delinquent Federal Financial Report is now up to date.
Commissioners also learned that once the current equipment submission is approved, the county can be reimbursed for documented purchases without having to obtain prior approval for each item.
Other grants for the project, including one from the State Lands and Investment Board, have already been fully used and audited.
Kinder and Schenk said they are now awaiting the federal government’s response to the updated paperwork.
