Helium plant near Labarge. (ExxonMobil photo)

According to Lincoln County Commissioner Teri Bowers, four major projects are moving forward in the next 18 months which will bring impact payment dollars to the area.

Impact payments are monies given to counties and municipalities that experience major growth due to the increased strain it may put on infrastructure such as roads, public utilities, fire departments and police offices.

Bowers noted that TerraPower, the company building the new Natrium nuclear plant and its accompanying efforts, two trona plants and a helium plant are either starting to make payments or slated to do so in the coming months. She added that these payments will “secure $21 million in payments” moving forward.

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“The Dry Creek plant begins in December of 2026 and Project West begins in December of 2025,” she said. “The helium plant by La Barge will finish impact assistance in the end of October and could bring another $11 million.”

In addition, the Lincoln Star Project continues to progress, This aims to “further industrial development in southern Lincoln County and create a diversified and resilient local economy.”

The hope is have the county rely less heavily on fewer sources of income and jobs. Some of the goals include the possibility of developing data center and other infrastructure.

Bowers said that some of the early developments of this focus include an asphalt and red diesel plant near Opal and a feed lot and facilities near Sage Junction.

Part of the plan includes an Improvement and Service District such as wastewater management, rail access, power infrastructure, fiber optic networks as well as roads and transportation.”