The Cody Region headquarters for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is targeting mid-October for a move-in date and Nov. 16 for a public celebration, according to testimony at the Game and Fish Commission meeting last Tuesday in Buffalo.

The commission approved the project’s budget of about $10 million, which was financed entirely with funds from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. 

“No State general funds were utilized and no debt was incurred,” according to a Friday press release.

The project, which broke ground in May last year, may come in under budget, according to public information officer Sara DiRienzo. It’s currently projected to be finished for about $9.6 million.

The facility, on Wyo. Highway 120N near the Cody Shooting Complex, is a stark difference from the previous offices built more than 40 years ago south of town on Wyo. Highway 120S. The new facility has been custom designed and built to better meet the evolving needs of the department.

The complex includes outbuildings for storing large equipment, a large ADA compliant public meeting room, an aquatic invasive species check station (replacing the current North Cody location), and more parking space for hunters and boaters pulling trailers and more space at the front counter to accommodate customers, among other benefits to the public.

Beyond the animal check station is the immense two-story shop, complete with built-in coolers and freezers, a rail system for moving carcasses and plenty of room for any size vehicle. Tucked in the rear of the shop is a secure large carnivore bay to temporarily house species like grizzly bears live-trapped in the area if needed.

The department planned and saved for a decade for the project, but the global pandemic and supply chain disruptions began as they started the process. Staff had hoped to move into the facility during the summer.

Currently, contractors are putting the finishing touches on the building and working to install the elevator and complete installation of flooring.

“Although progress has been delayed by several months due to supply chain issues, the construction phase of this project is now coming to a close,” Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor Dan Smith said. “We are eager to move in and looking forward to being able to better serve the public with the facility.”