News
Governor’s Call for Ideas to Make Wyoming Thrive in the Future Brings in Big Proposals
Earlier this year, after Wyoming received the first installment of funds from the American Rescue Plan, Governor Mark Gordon asked a Strike Team to work on big ideas that would help Wyoming drive towards a future where its citizens will thrive. Now there are more than $3 billion in proposals that the Strike Team is evaluating.
Many of these proposals will not qualify for the $1 billion of American Rescue Plan funds, but could qualify for other one-time funds or be funded through the new Infrastructure funding package. A list of the draft proposals can be found on a dedicated section of the Governor’s website. The Governor released his strategy for Wyoming’s future in June, which has 11 goals, now down to 10. Since that time the Governor’s Office has continued to make public presentations on this planning effort and take input from elected officials from across the state as well as members of his cabinet who have worked with stakeholders on these ideas.
“In some cases these proposals benefit from years of public input to develop strategic plans and emerging ideas. Others have come from more recent experience,” Governor Gordon said. “I appreciate the many bold and forward-looking proposals that have emerged. Nevertheless, I know we can only fund a portion of them. So a lot of work has to be done to refine this list of ideas. Wyoming must continue to support our core industries, support our social needs, and enhance economic opportunity into the future.”
Governor Gordon emphasized that he hopes the public will stay involved in the process. “We will continue to provide the opportunity for feedback in this endeavor right up until the legislative session in February,” he added.
The Governor’s website has information on the projects and a page where the public can provide input. In December the Governor will present his proposal for how to spend the American Rescue Plan funds Wyoming received. Distribution after that point will be decided by the Legislature. The American Rescue Plan has a timeline that dollars must be spent by the end of 2026, which provides additional time for strategic evaluation.
Some of the big ideas include:
- Investing in housing, spurring more supply for workforce, working families, veterans and the homeless.
- Carbon capture and storage facilities to support the drive towards commercialization.
- Small business support programs.
- Expansion of broadband connectivity.
- Funding the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust to improve habitat
- A grant program for new outdoor recreation facilities and trails.
- A grant program for health care and human service facilities.
- Workforce development grants for students to get new skills and jobs while meeting industry needs.
- Telehealth investments.
- Suicide prevention funding.
- Support for emergency medical services.
- Water infrastructure improvements.
- Two new state parks.
- Wildlife and highway crossings.
To view all of the proposals, visit http://drivethrive.wyo.gov/.
ray olson
November 19, 2021 at 6:36 pm
Medicaid expansion- cheaper and more impactful than most of the things on this list.
Tom Wood
November 20, 2021 at 3:46 pm
There is way to much government, federal and state. Two new state parks,outdoor recreation and trails,funding wildlife and natural resource trust. Take the money put it toward more help for the citizens of this state to survive. Or just save it for a rainy day fund stop spending every dime you can on things we don’t need.
David Cook
November 20, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Let’s keep Wyoming a state of energy production, move from oil and coal to wind and solar power!!!Make Wyoming a top producer of renewable energy, let Wyoming lead the way to Environmental leadership.
Jerry Rakoczy
November 20, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Alaska has its state run ferry boat system. What if wyoming had its own shuttle/bus/ train system between major towns in every county. Vehicles that would enable rural people to shop (goods, food, supplies) attend doctor appointments in the larger cities. Would open a new option for tourists to visit many more communities throughout the state.
Jane Doe
November 21, 2021 at 2:00 am
Since the Wyoming senators/representatives voted against most if not all of additional funding. Did these people know about this study? Are they truly representing the people of Wyoming? Or are they pandering to pressures to keep their jobs and favoritism of the GOP party. And since they voted NO, will the Wyoming GOP leaders accept the money? Of course they will, this is what people who can’t walk their talk! Bet not! Oh and please take credit, give yourself a raise!
Ted Lapis
November 21, 2021 at 9:18 am
Wyoming needs to unshackle the future from the stranglehold of the past. How many generations are we going to suffer in service of the pioneers, before requiring a level playing field? For one example, look at the preferential treatment afforded the holders of WY State Lands.
While the current leasees holler about private enterprise to sustain their advantage over other would be users of public resources, they have maintained their monopoly. If this assertion surprises you, please do your homework.
Joseph Martinez
November 21, 2021 at 9:43 am
How about legalizing marijuana for recreational sales and use the taxes generated to fund schools and whatever else they choose.
Luis Almodovar
November 21, 2021 at 10:33 am
Legalization of recreational and medical Marijuana
Robyn Belinskey
November 21, 2021 at 11:36 am
Same stuff never getting actual funding and to tickle the ears of those in the audience to hear. Worthless case managers for job and retraining services and not actually getting folks jobs homes or helping homeless as Sheridan ships them off to other towns in Wyoming WHERE is all this money going??? Seemingly the school funds they just aren’t there..by the way who is funding the ILLEGALS coming to our state with FAT checks and bank accounts with no ID’S and hardly speak English and cannot fill out a check . Wyoming needs Coal and oil..China is getting our supplies we don’t need Nuclear to destroy our state either so “wake up” Wyoming we will make Buffet and Gates wealthier at our expense!!WE THE PEOPLE need to say NO to Nuclear and China!!we need to attract MADE IN AMERICA and Wyoming businesses what are we doing for that!!!
Lisa Seidell
November 21, 2021 at 1:59 pm
You say tourism matters reopen the rest areas cause im sick of seeing piss bottles everywhere …especially at ft steele gonna put in a truck parking with no where to go to the bathroom but the river