BLM proposes sale of public lands in Sweetwater County

ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — In a move aimed at streamlining operations and optimizing resources, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has revealed plans for the sale of 307.5 acres of public lands in Sweetwater County.

PacifiCorp, the intended buyer, seeks to bolster efficiency at the adjacent Jim Bridger power plant through this strategic acquisition.

“The property we are purchasing is adjacent to our waste water evaporation pond so owning this property will help to facilitate maintenance better,” said Dave Eskelsen, Pacifi-Corp’s spokesperson.

The strategic location of the property plays a crucial role in PacifiCorp’s operations.

Eskelsen emphasized that owning the land will simplify processes when the Jim Bridger power plant reaches the end of its operational life in 2036.

“Having ownership of this land will make for smoother decommissioning procedures,” he added.

According to a press release issued by the Bureau of Land Management, the land sale is poised to bolster efficiencies at the power plant, aiding in PacifiCorp’s adherence to environmental regulations. The appraised fair market value for the parcel earmarked for sale is estimated at $115,000.

The land in question is considered disposable land under the current Sweetwater County Resource Management Plan, which designates property owned by the BLM that can be sold.

Brad Purdy, Deputy State Director of Communications for BLM, highlighted that PacifiCorp had been granted a right-of-way years ago on this property and had already been acquiring small sections when possible.

“This sale just made sense for PacifiCorp because they had already been acquiring smaller pieces and now they have what they need,” Purdy said.

This story was published on April 27, 2024.