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Transportation
Living and working in the ninth largest and lowest population state in the nation presents us with some unique transportation challenges. Mountains, inclement weather, and great distances between communities all contribute to a heavy reliance on roads and bridges that must be in good repair. Despite nearly 1,000 miles of federal Interstate Highway, large parts of Wyoming rely on other federal, state, county, and local roads for their daily travel needs. A partnership between the state of Wyoming and the federal government is necessary to ensure adequate funding for our transportation infrastructure.
Wyoming citizens pay approximately $300 per person into the highway account of the highway trust fund each year. Nationally, the average citizen pays about $104 per person into the highway account. Despite the heavier burden placed on Wyoming citizens, our small population simply cannot fully fund the needs of our federal highway system alone. Federal assistance is crucial, particularly for the 400 miles of Interstate 80 that carries a great many trucks that simply pass through the state. Maintaining a funding formula that recognizes the benefits to our nation of Wyoming’s highway system is my top transportation priority.
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