News
Public Leery of ‘Strings’ on Grant Funds, Sheridan Commission Approves
Published
11 months agoon
By
Aaron Palmer
During the last regular meeting of the Sheridan County Commission, public comment was offered against accepting federal grant funding for a project at the Sheridan County Airport based on “strings” attached to the funding.
The project funding is for the design of a realignment of Taxiway Alpha at the county airport, as explained by Airport Manager Robert Gill.
During the public comment period, concerns over “Federal Government over- reach” and “strings attached” to the funding were voiced.
Commissioner Tom Ringley said the reason the county has an airport to begin with is due to help from the federal government, while Commissioner Holly Jennings cited numerous Executive Orders from the Biden Administration in the document that are not “in-line” with Wyoming values, basically against gas, oil, and coal.
Commissioner Lonnie Wright said there are always strings attached to federal funding, that it is nothing new, and Commissioner Nick Siddle agreed.
Commission Chair Christi Haswell said she understands the concerns, but doesn’t share them.
The agreement is for $600,000 in federal funds, with the State Aeronautics Division contributing $24,000 with the county adding $16,000.
The commission accepted the funding with Commissioner Jennings voting against.
Lee Sanders
January 4, 2024 at 5:29 pm
I’m all for this funding as it will benefit the community. The article didn’t state whether the funding was part of the Infrastructure Act or other funding. I find it very interesting that politicians from so many states voted against the Infrastructure Act and its funding, but then tout the good job they are doing bringing infrastructure funding to their states.