Grant funds are paving the way for Rocky Mountain Manor to improve access to the facility as well as provide additional parking for residents.

A State Department of Health grant in the amount of $410,494 is part of $8.1 million in federal funding to help eligible entities in Wyoming build up health care infrastructure. The funds are directed from the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Performance Improvement and Health Equity, administering a COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant.

The first feature to take shape is a large concrete parking lot in front of the manor on the north end of the assisted living facility. It will provide additional parking for residents.

”We only have 30 parking spots now for 60 residents,” said Cindy Ibarra, manor director. “That’s about half of what we need.”

Accessibility is at the heart of the project. The new parking lot will also provide emergency vehicles improved access to the manor.

The main front entrance to the manor will be rebuilt to facilitate wheelchair and emergency access.

Also included in the grant funding are updated HVAC systems for improved ventilation throughout the facility and upgrades to the electrical panels in residential rooms.

— By Dave Bonner