Star-Tribune staff

CHEYENNE n The Wyoming Business Council's board of directors recommended four Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program applications worth over $4 million at its meeting in Worland last week.

The recommendations will be forwarded to the State Loan and Investment Board for final decision at their April 3 meeting.

The town of Kaycee was recommended for a $1.5 million grant to renovate a former school. The project requires Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. The town currently leases space in the building for child care, non-profit and private offices.

Teton County was approved for a $600,000 grant to complete renovation of a former schoolhouse. A previously renovated portion of the building houses a pre-school center. The remainder of the structure would be used for activities such as social gatherings, and club and community meetings.

The town of Basin received support for a $750,000 grant to renovate the upper floors to the Basin City Arts Center. Plans for use of the space include after-school programming, museum displays, art, dance instruction and room for public and private rentals.

The town of Byron was recommended for $1,250,270 to renovate two structures, the "Lunch Room" and a separate former vocational building. Once renovated, the Byron Recreation Department will be able to relocate facilities, the museum will be operational again after the previous location was condemned, and a large community hall and warming kitchen will be available to the public. Town Hall and municipal offices will also be housed in the space.

The board also approved several loans to Wyoming businesses through the Challenge Loan Program.

The board okayed $250,000 bridge loan participation with First State Bank of Wheatland on a loan to Brent, LLC, to expand operations of the Brown and Co. to Riverton.

Also approved was $105,350 bridge loan participation with First State Bank of Wheatland on a loan to Drube Supply, Inc. of Wheatland.

The board approved bridge loan participation of $250,000 with Central Bank and Trust of Lander on a loan to Emause, LLC of Cheyenne.

The board also approved bridge loan participation with Pinnacle Bank of Cody on a $250,000 loan to Silvertip Realty, LLC to expand a manufacturing business in Cody.

Two loans through the Wyoming Main Street Revolving Loan Program were approved.

The board backed a $29,512 loan to Lisa Rice of Sheridan, which will be used to make improvements on her building at 65 Coffeen Ave. in Sheridan.

The board also approved a $100,000 loan to the Sheridan Heritage Center for structural renovation on the Sheridan Inn.