Fremont 25 project on hold due to ongoing infrastructure adequacy assessment

The Select Committee on School Facilities convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects and infrastructure needs within Wyoming's school districts. The meeting focused on various school facility projects, funding allocations, and the condition of existing infrastructure.

The first item addressed was the Jackson Elementary Waste and Domestic Water Project in the Fremont 25 district, which is currently on hold pending recommendations from a Mercer assessment. This assessment is crucial for determining the future of the project.

Next, the committee reviewed the Albany 1 project, which involves the purchase of land for a future school. Although $750,000 is available for this purpose, Albany 1 is not actively seeking property at this time. The funds could potentially be utilized if inflationary pressures necessitate it.

The discussion then moved to the Riverton Rendezvous Elementary School sanitary waste project, which is also awaiting the results of the Mercer assessment. This project is significant as it is tied to the overall condition of the facility.

Further discussions included the Converse 1 Douglas Intermediate project, which has been placed on hold due to its recent inclusion on the facility condition list. A Mercer assessment will be conducted once a consultant is available to evaluate the facility's needs.

The Uinta 1 Evanston High School VAV retrofit project is currently not in the queue, as it depends on the availability of remaining component funds after other projects are completed.

The committee noted that of the $20.3 million appropriated for various projects, $6.9 million has been spent, leaving $13.4 million available for future needs. Concerns were raised regarding aging infrastructure across several districts, with indications that plumbing and sanitary sewer issues are becoming more prevalent in older facilities. The committee acknowledged the need for further assessments to understand the condition of these systems better.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the ongoing challenges faced by older school facilities and the importance of timely assessments to address these issues effectively. The committee remains focused on ensuring that necessary infrastructure improvements are made to support the educational environment in Wyoming.