Economy gets needed boost

There is no way you can miss the multitude of additional people in Thermopolis right now, between the tourists visiting the area and the folks here to help with the recent hail damage in the county.

While it may be frustrating in some aspects such as driving around town or even finding a parking space, the influx definitely has a silver lining when it comes to the economy.

Some of the roofing companies have indicated they may be in town for as much as two years doing repairs. Some are considering buying homes here for the duration and bringing their families here.

“With the estimated $1 million-plus of hail damage to Thermopolis, the economy could see expansion several times more than that,” said Amanda Moeller CEO of the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Economic Development Company. “The number of companies who have come in to town are not only increasing the sales tax through services, but are also staying in motels, eating in restaurants, and fueling up in town – a welcome addition to the local economy. 

“While it is difficult to generate an estimated amount of actual impact, however, I predict that Hot Springs County, the Town of Thermopolis, and local businesses will see a significant increase in the already-busy summer numbers.”

These companies are also renting work space in a number of areas in town, generating monies that haven’t been seen in the county in many years.

There is also a chance that some of the workers who are here decide they really like our little part of Wyoming and decide to make a permanent move which would also add children to our school system.

Many of these companies are adding funding to things like the fair, the livestock sale and the fire department through donations, helping the community with their generosity while they’re here, too.