October 7, 2024 |
Photo – Map of Sweetwater, Carbon, Natrona, and Fremont Counties – Courtesy State of Wyoming Parcel and Tax Precinct Viewer
Carbon County officials are considering taking the lead on a federal natural resource tour.
During the October 1st Board of Carbon County commissioners meeting, Commissioner John Espy explained that our area has been selected to host a natural resource tour next summer. Espy said the tour gives federal lawmakers a chance to see how this part of Wyoming contributes to the country.
Commissioner Espy said the three-day-long tour will cover Natrona, Fremont, Sweetwater, and Carbon Counties and include Congressional staffers from natural resource committees, who might not have direct experience with the impact their policies have on citizens. Espy said it may come as a surprise to learn that staffers play a large role in shaping national legislation.
Commissioner Espy said the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, or WCCA, is asking one of the four counties included on the tour to handle bookkeeping for the event. Furthermore, the county that volunteers to manage the finances will be required to design and print the tour schedule.
Commissioner Espy said the Wyoming County Commissioners Association is considering either Carbon or Natrona Counties to handle bookkeeping duties for the federal natural resource tour. If the other commissioners agree to take on the financial responsibilities, Espy said the WCCA will provide Carbon County with advice and assistance.
Commissioner Espy explained that the Congressional staffers will fly into Natrona County. Afterwards, they will follow a circular route through Fremont, Sweetwater, and Carbon Counties. Espy said he would like the staffers to tour the Saratoga Forest Management mill before returning to Natrona County.
Commissioner Espy said the staffers will be bussed around the four participating counties. Representatives from each location will brief the staffers while they’re enroute to the next destination. Espy said everything must be done quickly since the staffers are only in Wyoming for three days.
Commissioner John Johnson said taking over accounting duties for the federal natural resource tour is in Carbon County’s best interest. Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones volunteered to assist with the tour in any way she can.
Commissioner Espy said he will meet again with members of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and bring more details about next summer’s tour to a future county commissioner meeting.
