Work to prepare the ground for the Wyoming State Shooting Complex is moving forward even as the weather gets colder. 

In the last month or so, the joint powers board has approved work to start on the ground, including approving a company to build the road through the complex and perform geotechnical work on the soil. 

One challenge has been in designing a main road into the complex from the end of the county road currently under construction. To that end the board has worked with Engineering Associates on a design for the main road through the complex. The engineering company and board members have also sent out bid requests for well drilling work to roughly 10 companies. Quotes will be in hand before the final meeting of the year. 

Design work continues to become more defined. 

“It’s slipping from conceptual to the real deal now,” board member James Klessens said. “A lot of background work is being done. … in fairly short order you’re going to see a map that’s much more defined than in weeks past.”

In November the board unanimously chose Nicholson Construction amongst a handful of bids to develop the road. 

At the Dec. 4 meeting board members approved Geotech Associates of Casper for just under $18,000 to do a geotech study on various parts of the site where structures could be built. 

Engineering Associates engineer Cody Schatz has said previously that some of the work can be done during the cold months. 

That’s good news for board chair Glenn Ross, who said he’d like to see work progress before the complex’s supporters in the House and Senate push for more funds.

“We’ve gotta get some dirt moving before the Legislature [starts],” he said. 

Before the end of the year the board expects to have its general contractor set. At a previous meeting members approved seeking an agreement with Groathouse Construction in Cody, which has done a number of the recent big projects in the area, including the new Northwest College Student Center and the Powell Library. 

A final proposal to bring on Groathouse is expected at the Dec. 18 meeting. 

Administrative tasks

The board unanimously approved Powell accounting firm Seckman Thomas to be the auditor for the board at a price not to exceed $20,000 per year for three years. 

The firm was one of two who bid for the job, not a surprise to Ross, who said there are few companies in the region that handle government auditing and most are not hurting for work. The Casper firm’s bid was $5,000 per year more, not including travel expenses. 

Klessens also suggested the board look into legal counsel to handle some matters. Board member Bryan Mick, a Cody lawyer and real estate owner, has been able to handle any legal tasks the board has had to this point, but Klessens said he’s probably doing more than a volunteer board member should be asked to do. 

“If I feel that it’s within my scope I’ll handle it, if I feel like another set of eyes, I’ll let you know,” Mick said. “At this juncture more than capable of helping.”

He agreed to look into bringing on legal counsel to have on hand as needed in the future.