The Eastern Shoshone Business Park is ready for construction to begin.
The plan is a 304-acre space just north of Riverton’s Walmart for retail, residential, and commercial space. “This will happen in baby steps, one small piece at a time,” explained Eastern Shoshone Business Councilman Western Gus Thayer.
The initial plan calls for a 50-acre project in the southwestern portion of the property directly north and adjacent to Walmart. The phase includes the construction of 3 new roads; Eastern Shoshone Parkway, Sitta Drive, and Unity Boulevard. Along with the roadways will be the installation of water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, dry utilities, and the overall site grading of the property. Construction is slated to begin in May and be completed by August, allowing for the property to be developed on by the end of summer.
Eastern Shoshone Business Council member Karen Snyder told those in attendance, “the opportunities are boundless, our initial plan was to develop around commercial, retail, and housing opportunities, there truly are no boundaries if we continue our vision for economic prosperity for not only the Eastern Shoshone Tribe but for all of Fremont County. I see this piece of land as an extension of a much needed renewed and redeveloped city of Riverton and the tribe is here to work side by side with you in achieving that goal. Let’s make Fremont County a destination.”
Many representatives from the City of Riverton also spoke including Mayor Rich Gard who gave his support to the project, “We pledge from the city’s side to do anything we can to be of assistance to move the plan forward and do anything we can to help. What Riverton really needs is growth and jobs. I appreciate the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in stepping forward.”
Riverton City Administrator Tony Tolstedt echoed the Mayor’s comments, “there’s nothing more exciting for us as we look at economic development than to see large machinery like the ones behind me getting ready to go and to make progress in our community. Riverton is rising, we continue to do so, this project is absolutely part of that.”
Dubois Mayor John Meyer, and Hudson Mayor Mike Anderson were also in attendance along with a trio of former Riverton Mayor’s, John Vincent, Ron Warpness, and Lars Baker.
