Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity has applied for a $500,000 Wyoming Business Council grant, funded by federal stimulus money, to pay for land and construction of a ReStore in Powell. Habitat ReStores sell donated used and surplus building materials to the public at significantly-reduced prices. Outlets are already operating successfully in Sheridan, Jackson and Riverton, and across the U.S. and Canada.Proceeds from retail sales would help fund local Habitat operations, enabling the organization to provide additional low-cost housing for people in need. It's hard to quarrel with that, especially when people are feeling the pinch of the current economic recession. The proposed store would be a positive addition to the community in other ways as well. The opportunity to buy building materials at a discount would surely attract people from throughout the Big Horn Basin, furthering Powell economic development. It would keep surplus materials out of county landfills, create jobs and provide tax credits for donors. The store would also fill up one more space in the business park on the west end of town. The grant application, sponsored by the city, was submitted to Gov. Dave Freudenthal this week. Following a public comment period, the application will be considered at the federal level, with a final decision expected sometime in August. Another successful business would provide a shot in the arm to the local economy — one that also helps needy families is almost too good to be true. Let's hope to see construction of the ReStore underway sometime this fall.

Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity has applied for a $500,000 Wyoming Business Council grant, funded by federal stimulus money, to pay for land and construction of a ReStore in Powell. Habitat ReStores sell donated used and surplus building materials to the public at significantly-reduced prices. Outlets are already operating successfully in Sheridan, Jackson and Riverton, and across the U.S. and Canada.

Proceeds from retail sales would help fund local Habitat operations, enabling the organization to provide additional low-cost housing for people in need. It's hard to quarrel with that, especially when people are feeling the pinch of the current economic recession.

The proposed store would be a positive addition to the community in other ways as well. The opportunity to buy building materials at a discount would surely attract people from throughout the Big Horn Basin, furthering Powell economic development. It would keep surplus materials out of county landfills, create jobs and provide tax credits for donors. The store would also fill up one more space in the business park on the west end of town.

The grant application, sponsored by the city, was submitted to Gov. Dave Freudenthal this week. Following a public comment period, the application will be considered at the federal level, with a final decision expected sometime in August.

Another successful business would provide a shot in the arm to the local economy — one that also helps needy families is almost too good to be true.

Let's hope to see construction of the ReStore underway sometime this fall.