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Legislature Says No To Additional Funds For Hwy 59

During work on the state supplemental budget the Wyoming House and Senate both defeated amendments to put more money into Highway 59.

The highway in northeast Wyoming has seen increased traffic due to the energy boom and deaths on the highway have nearly doubled since 2010.

The Governor had asked for 21 million dollars to add more passing lanes on the highway, but the Joint Appropriations Committee agreed to just 17 million for upgrades to BOTH highway 59 and U-S 20/26 between Casper and Shoshoni.  

Gillette Senator Jeff Wasserburger was among those who argued for the extra money. He say those who work in energy already have dangerous job.

“They work in extremely unsafe conditions and we all know that. But the fact of the matter is, the highway that they travel is their biggest risk. And they have to travel it every day.”

Senate President Phil Nicholas says the State Department of Transportation plans to make the highway a priority even without the additional money. The House voted down a similar amendment earlier in the day.

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
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