Fuel-tax increase, I-80 toll-road charges: proposals to alleviate rising roadway costs

Sheridan County Commissioner and Wyoming County Commissioner Association Transportation Committee Chairman Nick Siddle recently attended with the Joint Legislative Transportation Committee on Aug. 19. 

According to Siddle it was revealed during the meeting that WYDOT’s annual budget sits in a $400 million dollar shortfall. According to multiple sources the increase of roadway maintenance cost has been driven by factors such as supply chain issues and inflation that raised material and labor costs. While overall infrastructure spending has shifted to prioritize maintenance over expansion, these higher costs mean that more resources are now required to preserve the existing road network.

During the meeting, Siddle said three issues were the focus of discussion. 

Commissioner N. Siddle

Another proposal discussed during the meeting has potential to create a new revenue stream that could aid WYDOT with roughly 25% of their annual costs. 

Commissioner N. Siddle

These proposals are currently only in the discussion phase.