Store would be located near west water towerA new store selling donated building materials at a reduced cost may be on Powell's horizon.An application to fund a $500,000 Habitat for Humanity ReStore is progressing through local and state government pipelines this week. A ReStore is a retail outlet where quality used or surplus building materials are sold at reduced prices. Proceeds from a local ReStore would benefit Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity, which began in Powell.

Habitat is applying for a $500,000 Wyoming Business Council grant that is funded through federal stimulus money. On Monday night, the Powell City Council agreed to sponsor Habitat's application.

“This allows our affiliation to basically be self-sustaining once we get this going,” said Kenny Lee, Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity's executive director.

Habitat for Humanity provides low-income families with affordable housing through volunteer labor. Partner families pay a down payment plus a monthly interest-free mortgage payment, but the affiliate receives funding from various organizations and grants. The organization is planning to build a house in Powell this year.

“It's an exciting opportunity. I would be glad to see this kind of business in the area that would allow Habitat for Humanity to be self-sufficient,” said Leah Bruscino, northwest regional director for the Wyoming Business Council.

She said the business council supports the project, as it meets many of the criteria for stimulus funding. The ReStore would create jobs, begin new construction, benefit the environment by keeping material out of the landfill and assist low-income residents impacted by the recession, Bruscino said.

Lee told city councilmen that Habitat plans to construct a 10,000 square-foot steel building near the west water tower. The land is currently owned by the Powell Valley Economic Development Alliance. The alliance met with Habitat leaders this week to discuss the property.

Habitat also considered a Cody property, but it was out of city limits, and the group ultimately decided to choose a Powell location within city limits.

City Councilman Jim Hillberry said he would favor a location in a more industrial part of Powell, such as southeast of town near the Pepsi building, rather than at the west entrance.

“We've got an outstanding entrance to Powell, and I would hate to have an albatross out there,” he said.

City Administrator Zane Logan said he also was concerned about the proposed location, as it is supposed to be a gateway to Powell.

Lee said in Habitat for Humanity studies, a prime location is key to a successful ReStore.

“One thing they're finding out is location, location, location,” Lee said. “You've got to get the public there.”

Councilman Josh Shorb favored the location, adding he is looking forward to development of the land.

“It's an albatross right now,” he said. “How long has that been there? You've got Fremont Motors and then nothing.”

Toby Bonner, president of the alliance, told the council that the building would have to meet certain aesthetic guidelines.

“It won't just be a steel building,” he said. “It will have a rock face, or brick of some kind, and it has to have landscaping.”

Lee told the council that he believes the ReStore will be a draw for the Big Horn Basin. Companies could receive tax refunds for donations and residents could purchase material at a reduced cost.

“I believe people would come from all over the Big Horn Basin to take advantage of the savings,” he said.

Wyoming has three ReStores, located in Riverton, Sheridan and Jackson.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the Wyoming Business Council with $857,000 for projects. The council recommended funding the Mountain Spirit project for $500,000 and a Sundance Kids Care Center at around $350,000.

The application was submitted to Gov. Dave Freudenthal Wednesday. After his review, there will be a seven-day public comment period on the project that must begin by June 15. The application must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by June 29.

A decision is expected by early August, Bruscino said. Through the business council's contact with HUD representatives, Bruscino said she believes the project will receive full funding.

Construction on the ReStore could begin as early as September.