Future of HSSP concessionaires still unclear

As the budget session of the Wyoming Legislature continues, the Requests for Proposal (RFP) for both the Days Inn and Star Plunge have been put on hold. Both businesses operate within Hot Springs State Park’s boundaries.

According to Nick Neylon, Deputy Director of Wyoming State Parks reports the Joint Appropriations Committee has taken one-half of the spending authority from the Park’s State Capital Construction request, essentially setting aside all the money needed to purchase the Days Inn in Hot Springs State Park.

This does not include money for the purchase of the Star Plunge.

Neylon said if the budget passes and Governor Mark Gordon signs off on it, the state will go ahead and purchase the Days Inn.

However, they have no intention of actually running the facility. Instead, they will put out a new RFP for an outside entity to manage on behalf of the state.

“We want to give anyone a chance to bid,” Neylon said.

March 12 marks the final day of the budget session and Neylon said everything is put on hold until then.

Once the budget is approved along with the purchase, it could still take several months before any changes actually occur.

Days Inn and Star Plunge are currently on a month-to-month basis with the State of Wyoming.

Last year, the Wyoming State Legislature passed Senate File 166, which requires for-profit business concessions in Wyoming State Parks to sign contracts or leases with a minimum term of five years.