Posted: 8/13/03

Polaris exploring facility in Wyoming

By Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

Polaris is taking steps to become one of the biggest employers in the area with plans to expand in Wyoming now being reviewed.

The snowmobile and recreational vehicle manufacturer is looking to build a 95,000 square foot research and development facility on 600 acres in Wyoming Township

Polaris reports they will employ some 265 engineers and staff members. Payroll for the first year of business is estimated at $22.5 million, according to information reviewed by the Wyoming Town Board Tuesday night.

The site, though in Wyoming Township, is the current site of the city of Wyoming waste water treatment plant. Wyoming is exploring plans to run a sewer line to the Chisago Lakes area. Funds to run the line would be generated by the sale of the land.

ìOur treatment plant is nearing capacity,î Wyoming Mayor Vern Haag said. ìWe were informed a few years ago we would have to look at some sort of facility.î

Haag and Wyoming City Administrator Dennis Coryell came to the Wyoming Town Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Aug 12 to discuss the process and possible annexation of the land to the city.

ìWe are talking about annexation along CR-84,î Haag said. ìWe arenít sure about what side of the road but we do need to annex.î

Coryell said the facility, and the jobs generated by it, will benefit the entire community.

And Polaris would like those benefits to begin as soon as possible.

While Haag said the city would not be entirely off the site until 2006, Polaris is looking to begin building in 2004. He said there is space for Polaris to build a small building and a test track and the city and the Polaris ìcould pretty much avoid each other.î

The Wyoming Town Board shared no opinions of the plans, but said they are willing to listen.

ìI donít believe we can make any decision without getting information first,î Town Board Chairman Larry Parker said.

Officials from the city of Wyoming and Wyoming Township will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Wyoming City Hall to continue their review of the proposal.

Top of Page