JACKSON, Wyo. — Progress continues to be made on a future fire station in the Gros Ventre.

Friends of the Gros Ventre Fire Station (FGVFS) directors presented their recent fundraising results to the Teton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) at its Monday Voucher meeting. The three directors — Jim Ramo, Joe Wenger and Rocky Barber — shared the numbers and their gratitude with the BCC. In total, the group has raised about $10 million in cash donations and pledges, $8 million of which will go toward construction.

“For us, what makes this achievement truly unique is the team spirit,” Wenger told the BCC on Monday. “We have worked together with the fire department, the county staff, and this county commission to transform a vision into reality. This is not simply a construction project, it is an investment by all of us for the safety and security of our neighbors.”

FGVFS has led the campaign to construct Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Station 8 on a plot of County land just off North Spring Gulch Road. Commissioner Luther Propst previously told Buckrail that past strategic planning on fire priorities identified upgrades to Wilson and Hoback fire stations as higher priority than a station north of town. The FGVFS nonprofit was formed in 2023 to spearhead a private-public effort, and to accelerate the building and operation of a fire station north of town.

The comprehensive financing package assembled by FGVFS includes more than $4 million in cash donations and the rest in pledges. The commitment has also been supported by an $8-million line of credit from First Western Trust. A memorandum of understanding approved by BCC in June states that Teton County will be responsible for any construction costs exceeding $8 million. The additional $2 million raised by FGVFS will support “pre-operating expenses” after construction is complete.

“This demonstrates the private sector’s confidence in this project,” Ramo told the BCC. “Together these resources represent the fulfillment of our obligations under the memorandum of understanding with Teton County – proof that the private sector is stepping up to meet its commitment to this community.

Organizers anticipate the station will begin full operations in 2029.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.