New fence built for Chamber's new sign

Green River residents may have noticed a new sign at the entrance to town at the intersection of Uinta Drive and Flaming Gorge Way, and may have noticed the fence along Flaming Gorge Way by the intersection was recently moved to better expose the new sign.

The Green River Chamber of Commerce recently acquired a new digital sign to replace the outdated sign that was located by the chamber building, which will be removed in the next few months.

Green River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Eusek said the new digital sign is utilized as a dynamic advertising tool for local businesses, and a medium for promoting local festivals and scholastic sporting events to residents and visitors. Traffic statistics by the Wyoming Department of Transportation show over 7,000 cars pass the new sign every day.

Eusek said the project cost just over $86,000, which included manufacture, installation, permits, fence relocation, electrical infrastructure, and a land survey. The chamber solicited sponsorships and grants to pay for the project. The sign was placed at its new location due to factors involving land ownership and WYDOT regulations.

During the planning process, it was concluded that the city would help to relocate the fence, which sits on city property. The fence relocation would increase the visibility and enhance the beautification efforts of the city, Eusek said. The chamber and the city's parks and recreation department came up with a cooperative agreement to relocate the fence and the material costs are paid for by the chamber.

Director of Green River's Parks and Recreation, Brad Raney, estimates the cost of the materials to be about $2,000.

"We're just moving the fence to help them out," Raney said.

The reconstruction of the portion of the fence surrounding the new sign took about two weeks and is now finished. Much of the wood from the previous fence was reused.

"A lot of the materials are being reused from the old fence. We're recycling and repurposing as much as possible ... to help save on costs," Raney said. "It's just responsible use of those old materials."

Raney said funding for the project has been planned for and there is no additional funding for the project.

Eusek said the new digital sign is a dynamic tool that benefits local business and community members as a whole. The chamber and the city have worked together in partnership perviously and will continue their working relationship in the future.

Eusek said the chamber continues to build partnerships between businesses and community leaders to enhance the community.