The new Casper Mountain Biathlon and Sports Complex is underway, and they say, on schedule. Despite the downturn in the economy, the project continues and is supposed to be ready for use this winter. Here is the latest update from The Casper Biathlon Club.

"Wayne Coleman Construction, with oversight and engineering from Inberg-Miller Engineering continues work on the Casper Mountain Biathlon & Multi-Sport Complex located at 1110 East End Road on Casper Mountain. Wayne Coleman Construction was awarded the publicly bid contract on August 18th and commenced work shortly thereafter. While the project construction started later than originally expected, Phase 1 is still on track to be completed in time to be operational this winter. Clearing of timber and stripping & storing of topsoil according to WDEQ regulations, are mostly complete on the 13-acre area. The earthwork for the venue is approximately 70% complete and should be completed by mid-October. The finish grading for the venue and construction of the biathlon specific shooting range will begin at that time.

The electrical work for the facility is scheduled near the end of October with the installation of two new electrical poles along East End Road and the trenching of a new electric line under the roadway. The pedestrian underpasses are currently being reviewed by structural engineers and are slated to be installed in mid-October. The crushing of base material for construction of the maintenance road for the venue will occur in the next two weeks. Trail clearing has commenced and 2.5 km have been cleared to date to the proposed width of 20 to 30 feet. Trail width varies depending on the terrain. At completion of Phase 1, a total of 7 km of trails are scheduled to be cleared and 3 km of existing trails will be widened. The 20 to 30 foot width is required for homologation standards. Homologation is the process of certifying or approving the venue to indicate that it meets regulatory standards set by IBU (International Biathlon Union, FIS (International Ski Federation and IPC (International Paralympic Committee). Meeting homologation standards is necessary in order to host sanctioned events and is one of the defining aspects of this venue that will set it apart from other ski and biathlon venues in the country.

All storm water control measures are in place in accordance with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WYDEQ) approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. WYDEQ has inspected the best management practices for storm water protection with no areas of concern noted. Inspections will continue over the length of the project. Dust control measures are being performed on the construction site and on East End Road. Seed blankets have been ordered and will be installed to reseed and prevent the erosion of slopes once earthwork is finished. Tree re vegetation will be ongoing after earthwork is complete.

Timber continues to be removed from the site by 71 Construction for use by the City in its North Platte River restoration project. A Wyoming Conservation Corps crew started work on site 9/21/15 to help with timber management and the construction of buck rail fence using on site timber. Any remaining timber will be chipped to create a soft trail surface. Phase 1 originally proposed installing 9 of the 30 targets. Thanks to some cost savings, it is expected that all 30 targets will be installed this fall ahead of schedule.

At this time phase 1 is on budget and on time. Operations at the venue are expected to begin in the winter 2015/2016. Check the Casper Mountain Biathlon Club facebook page or at www.caspermountainbiathlonclub.org for project updates."

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