WHEATLAND – While seeking grant funding to replace a “temporary” bridge on Palmer Canyon Road that was installed over a decade ago after being washed out during heavy rains, Platte County commissioners have decided to pursue an Environmental Protection Agency grant. The grant has a $20 million maximum and a requirement to partner with a 501c3 non-profit in the community to provide a portion of the grant monies to projects benefiting the public and the environment. Once that partner is identified, any number of local non-profits – including municipalities or disadvantaged communities – are able to include their projects in the grant, to the total project cap. Another bonus of the grant, according to commissioners, is there are no matching funds required.
The county would be the administrators of the grant and would manage the distribution of any funds approved by the grantees. The most recent estimate of the cost of installing a permanent bridge structure at the Palmer Canyon / Laramie River crossing would be $2.2 million.
“…So there is a lot on the table for multiple non-profits to apply for,” chairman Steve Shockley said.

During last Tuesday’s commissioner meeting, it was decided to have an application period through the end of September for local non-profits to request to be included in the grant application, which is due in November. Though it’s a tight turn-around, the commissioners will be selecting the single main 501c3 non-profit partner and additional applicants at their first commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
In the application, non-profits need to include cost estimates and explain how their project benefits the community. Additionally, since it is an EPA grant, projects that improve the environment or the public’s access to outdoor activities receive more points towards acceptance.
MC2 engineering will be putting together and submitting the grant package on behalf of the County Commissioners.
Appearing at the meeting was Lisa Millikin, vice-president/treasurer of Glendo Volunteer Ambulance Service. She told commissioners, as a 501c3 non-profit, her organization would be interested in partnering with commissioners and will be turning in an application to potentially fund a new ambulance (currently estimated $290,000) and necessary equipment (at least $183,000). Millikin said of the necessary equipment, the ambulance radio alone costs $100,000.
One other perk to the grant is the fact, if the November deadline is missed, or the grant isn’t selected for the award, the county can re-apply in the next opening of the grant in March, with input from the grant board as to what could make the application more likely to be selected.
For more information or to obtain an application, contact the county clerk’s office at pcclerk@plattecountywyoming.com , call 307-322-2315, or stop by the courthouse at 800 9th Street in Wheatland.