Change is coming to Main Street in Lyman, as ground was broken for a new 8,500 square foot retail center on July 1.

The development is being funded by a Business Committee Grant through the Wyoming Business Council. This grant is part of the Business Ready Community Loan and Grant Program (BRC), which “provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.”

Lyman Mayor Ralph Bradshaw said the development of the center has been in the works for several years. According to the Sept. 4, 2009, issue of the Pioneer, the council voted on Aug. 20 after a public hearing to pursue the grant for $1.6 million dollars. At the time, Councilmen Eric Quinney and Ren Bluemel recused themselves from voting on any of the four grants that were presented to the council for consideration. The reason given in the article was because their spouses were involved with businesses that would be affected by the grant submission. The staff of the business council recommended the proposal for approval in December 2009.

Currently, three businesses have committed to locating in the new development: Achieve Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy, Silver Stitch Embroidery and Keepsake Images Studio and Framing. These businesses, per the terms of the grant, are required to make lease payments to the town of Lyman. According to the proposal presented by the Business Council, “Each business has negotiated lease terms that suit their business plan, but upon the purchase, will pay the cost of the grant relative to their square footage less their previous lease payments.” This ensures that the town will recapture the full BRC grant amount, according to town officials.

The monies received may be used only in specific manners by the town. Five percent must be allocated to the Lincoln Uinta Area Government Revolving Loan Fund. Additional revenue must be used for future matches for WBC grant requests for industrial development, further redevelopment of the downtown area through beautification, new business development and façade improvements and water and sewer improvements needed for future developments.



For the complete article see the 07-16-2010 issue.

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