BLM proposes sale of public lands in Sweetwater County

“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, PacifiCorp’s spokesperson.

The strategic location of the property plays a crucial role in PacifiCorp’s operations. By acquiring this land, the company aims to streamline operations and ensure smooth upkeep of critical infrastructure.

Additionally, 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.

Interested parties are encouraged to engage in the process by submitting written comments and reviewing sale particulars on the agency’s ePlanning website. Written submissions can also be dispatched via mail to the BLM Rock Springs Field Office, ATTN: Field Manager.

All comments on the proposed sale must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2024.