In 2003, the State of Wyoming purchased the Carissa Mine through funds from the Wyoming State Legislature. The purchase ushered in a new phase of development at SPC. With the mine came 9 historic structures, 17 significant mine features & 201 acres.

The Abandoned Mine Lands Division of the Department of Environmental Quality has committed one-time funds to stabilize & mitigate hazards associated with the mining operations at the Carissa. This funding is committed through the end of AML Project 9b-2, which will complete in the fall of 2008.

Phase I of AML’s mitigation work removed all hazardous waste from the Mill House and mine property. Phase II stabilized foundations, installed new roofs, windows and sealed the buildings from the elements. Phase III, due to complete in October of 2006, will close vertical mine shafts and install safety railings around mine features. Phase IV, summer 2008, will re-build the 1929 head frame , shaft house and trestle, in an effort to restore the historic view shed associated with the Carissa Mine. Phase IV is funded by monies appropriated by the Wyoming State Legislature and AML.

 To date AML has put $1.2 million dollars into restorations & safety issues at the Carissa. These funds have been utilized to remove hazardous waste, stabilize buildings, replace windows & install public viewing platforms.

South Pass City State Historic Site is in a period of exceptional growth. With the addition of the Carissa Mine to South Pass City, the site is uniquely positioned to become one of the flagship historic sites in the nation.