FEBRUARY 4, 2025|
Photo – Wyoming Semi Quincentennial Planning Task Force logo – Courtesy State of Wyoming
Officials in Carbon County will begin recruiting members for a committee dedicated to planning the 250th anniversary of the United States.
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate the occasion, the federal government has set aside $8 million to help states plan their anniversary celebrations.
Here in Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon used the federal funds to establish the Wyoming Semi Quincentennial Planning Task Force to oversee the state’s festivities. The Task Force is also offering grants to counties with “an officially recognized county committee.”
During the January 21st Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones explained that the county must form its own 250th anniversary committee to be eligible for grant funding through the state.
Commissioner Jones said the Wyoming State Parks website lacks any information explaining how Carbon County can participate in the grant program. The commissioner mentioned that she has reached out to State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon for more details but has yet to receive a response.
Commissioner Jones said both Grant Encampment Museum Director Tim Nicklas and local author Candy Moulton reached out to her to be on the county’s 250th anniversary committee. The commissioner suggested other potential members and stressed the importance of establishing the committee quickly.
Commissioner Jones encouraged people interested in serving on the 250th anniversary committee to reach out to a county organization. Due to the limited amount of time and potential delays in receiving state funding, the commissioner recommended immediately beginning recruiting efforts.
Commissioner Jones said she is still waiting for a response from State Parks Deputy Director Neylon regarding the county’s obligations forming the 250th anniversary committee. The matter is set to be discussed further during this morning’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting.
