CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne Animal Shelter recently received a significant boost with a $257,868 grant from the Improve Infrastructure and Built Environments for COVID-19 Prevention and Mitigation Program. This grant, the largest in the shelter’s history, aims to enhance the facility’s aging infrastructure, specifically targeting its outdated ventilation system.
Britney Tennant, CEO of the shelter, emphasized the importance of this upgrade.
“Improving indoor air quality isn’t just about upgrading systems; it’s about investing in the health and well-being of our community. We’re creating a safer, healthier, and more welcoming space for all,” Tennant stated.
The current ventilation system, dating back to the shelter’s original construction, operates at only 60% efficiency, costing the shelter about $90,000 annually in gas and electric services.
To address this, the shelter will use the grant to replace four package heat/cool units and two makeup air units with models featuring electronically commutated motors. These motors will enhance air circulation, improving filtration and indoor air quality.
Additionally, the shelter plans to install the iWave ionization system, which reduces airborne viruses and bacteria, fostering a cleaner environment for both humans and animals.
These improvements are expected to not only better the shelter’s indoor air quality and create a more pleasant climate but also significantly reduce energy consumption. This reduction in expenses will allow the shelter to allocate more resources toward supporting the community and its pets.
Funding Background
This funding is part of Wyoming’s $8.1 million federal aid, aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and addressing historical inequities through the COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant.
Managed by The Align Team for the Wyoming Department of Health, this initiative is part of a larger $38.8 million allocation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to tackle health disparities related to COVID-19.
For more information, contact Amber Ash, Cheyenne Animal Shelter’s director of strategic initiatives, by emailing aash@caswyo.org or calling 307-459-0276.
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