State

Funding for statewide WPM infrastructure upgrades and replacements sought from State.

After years of loyal transmitting, WPM’s site equipment is obsolete, and often irreplaceable. WPM generated a $5 million over five years plan to address critical infrastructure needs.  The loss of federal PTFP (Public Telecommunications Facilities Program) funding, which funded up to 50% of infrastructure needs for public radio stations, created a dire situation for WPM as well as national public broadcasters.  The $5 million cost is more than WPM or the University of Wyoming can handle.

As part of the UW request to the Wyoming legislature, WPM requested the first $2.5 million in the 2014 legislative session.  With this funding, WPM will first address the most critical sites in Laramie/Cheyenne and Rock Springs. 

“Wyoming Public Radio” is a state treasure.  Every Wyomingite should be able to access on ratio the public programming it provides, as well as critical emergency broadcasts,” says Christina Kuzmych, WPM General Manager.