SAM Magazine-Cody, Wyo., Jan. 13, 2009-Wyoming's Sleeping Giant ski area, which has been closed since 2004, has just received a $500,000 grant from the state as the resort seeks to remake itself as a non-profit, community venture. The grant was part of $22 million doled out by the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) at its meeting last Thursday in Cheyenne. The $500,000 Business Ready Community (BRC) grant approved Thursday will be paired with donations and in-kind matches totaling $766,697 for improvements to the ski area, including a new triple chairlift, snowmaking and electrical upgrades.

The improvements are being overseen by the Yellowstone Recreations Foundation, which has already cleared timber and poured foundations, largely on $1.3 million raised in previous donations, as it continues its quest to reopen the ski resort, located 45 miles west of Cody. The Foundation's aim of reopening for this winter foundered along with the economy last year, as its fundraising efforts came up short. The Foundation still needs an additional $800,000 to reopen, which it hopes to do next winter. \