FY 2025 Requests
FY 2025 Community Project Funding Requests:
NOTE: Projects are organized in alphabetical order by name of proposed recipient and then alphabetically by title of project name.
Project Name: Police Pursuit Vehicle Acquisition and Modernization of Vehicles
Requested Amount: $600,000
Intended Recipient: Carbon County, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for the purchase and equipment modernization of 8 patrol vehicles. Carbon County is the third-largest county (by landmass) in the state and is the 23rd largest county in the nation. Covering an expanse of eight-thousand square miles, Carbon County contains ten (10) municipalities, two distinct mountain ranges, and the third-largest reservoir (Seminoe) in the state. Interstate 80 is one of the nation's busiest commercial vehicle corridors that spans the entirety of the county. Carbon County’s Sheriff's Department responds to the many incidents that occur along its route and assists the Wyoming Highway Patrol with accidents, pursuits, and calls for service along highways: US 287, WY 220, WY 789, WY 130, WY 230, and WY 70. With this expansive service coverage, the fleet accumulates miles at a rapid pace. The Sherrif’s Office's current aging fleet, lack of inventory, and improper inventory (civilian vehicles modified that are currently being used but are unable to withstand the rigors of law enforcement use) have significantly decreased law enforcement operational capacity. Within the current existing fleet, there are vehicles dating back 25 years that have surpassed their optimal mileage threshold. This decline in reliability poses a significant risk to the Sheriff's Department operations' efficiency. Failure to address this issue promptly may result in delayed response times during emergencies, potentially exacerbating critical situations. This request is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will properly equip the Sheriff’s office to continue administering effective and efficient public safety services throughout Carbon County.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Fire-EMS Fire Station 1 Reconstruction Project
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Casper, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for the purchase of land to move forward with the Casper Fire-EMS Station 1 replacement project. Property acquisition would be the initial step in securing a location and establishing a placeholder for the project, as the engineering and design would adapt to the location for specific design and layout requirements. Fire-EMS Station 1, constructed in 1976, is a 48-year-old facility made of precast construction which allows for limited remodeling or modification options. Station 1 houses the largest number of personnel and front-line apparatus, consistently running the highest call volume in the city, and has outgrown its current facilities capacity due to increased community needs. A new facility would provide elements for a 50-75-year facility life and ensure stable infrastructure, future growth, and optimal operational effectiveness for serving the community of Casper. This critical project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will promote the safety of Wyomingites, provide better facilities for first responders to promote their physical and mental well-being, and result in long-term cost savings for taxpayers by mitigating expensive maintenance needs at the existing facility.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Police Fleet Vehicle Replacement Project
Requested Amount: $1,656,000
Intended Recipient: City of Casper, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for the purchase of 18 new police vehicles and associated equipment. The Casper Police Department (CPD) successfully implemented the one-to-one car program in 2011 with the primary objectives of enhancing public safety, improving operational efficiency, and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Since its inception, the program has effectively deterred criminal activity, encouraged compliance with traffic laws, and improved emergency response times. Additionally, there have been numerous instances where the preservation of life was a direct result of the successful implementation of this program. However, the City of Casper is facing challenges in maintaining the program due to increased costs associated with vehicle replacements, equipment upgrades, supply chain disruptions, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, vehicle suppliers have canceled orders, delayed production, and not offered competitive government fleet vehicle purchase programs. Aging vehicles pose increased maintenance costs and decreased operational efficiency which negatively impact public safety operations. Timely replacement of fleet vehicles is crucial to ensure the continued effectiveness of the one-to-one car program. This request is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will directly allow the City of Casper and CPD to continue the one-to-one car program thereby supporting law enforcement in promoting public safety while also helping to reduce long-term costs for Wyoming taxpayers by mitigating maintenance expenses.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Bill Nye Corridor: Essential Infrastructure Expansion
Requested Amount: $2,750,000
Intended Recipient: City of Laramie, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for the completion of the engineering and design phase for the final stretch of the Bill Nye Corridor: Essential Infrastructure Expansion from 19th Street to 4th Street in Laramie. Named after the esteemed humorist and first editor of the Laramie Boomerang and notable Justice of the Peace in the late 1800s, Bill Nye Avenue is a major arterial roadway paralleling Laramie’s southern city limits along I-80 in a qualified census tract (9637). Extending the roadway and other essential infrastructure is part of a comprehensive corridor project that has been a key community priority for improving motorized and non-motorized access, emergency response capabilities, and readying 220 acres of land for sorely needed housing. The cost to complete the project far exceeds the financial means of the city government which earns among the lowest per capita revenues of any Wyoming city or town. The expansion of Bill Nye Avenue in Laramie, and the corresponding infrastructure to be implemented in tandem, will create an alternate arterial route through Laramie, making US 287 and I-80 easier to access as well as spreading road use typically concentrated on Grand Avenue to multiple arterial passageways within the City of Laramie. The expansion of Bill Nye Avenue would reduce wear and tear on other roadways, both state and municipal, and accommodate infrastructure improvements and expansion that benefit Wyoming citizens.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Lower Mills Hydrant, Service, and Valve Replacement Project
Requested Amount: $3,917,472
Intended Recipient: City of Mills, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for the replacement of aging and dysfunctional fire hydrants, mainline valves, and service saddles in Lower Mills. Lower Mills is an area of Mills south of Pendell Blvd and Yellowstone Hwy (20/26) and east of Wyoming Blvd. Lower Mills contains approximately 30% of the City’s total residential customers as well as one of the largest commercial businesses. This is one of the oldest areas in the city. Most of the infrastructure in this area is approximately 50 years old. The valves, services, and hydrants have deteriorated due to the long-term exposure to the soils with no cathodic protection. As hydrants and valves age, they become more difficult to exercise. Exercising hydrants and valves is important to ensure that they work properly. Corrosion over time drastically affects both hydrants and valve’s ability to function properly. Advancements in technology in coatings, product material, and cathodic protection provide the capability to protect appurtenances better. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will replace the valves, hydrants, and services in Lower Mills to ensure continued water service to the homes and businesses in the area and ensure that Fire personnel have access to working hydrants to effectively respond to emergency events. The project will reduce long-term maintenance costs and mitigate the risk of costly waterline breaks in the future.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project
Requested Amount: $2,735,822
Intended Recipient: City of Mills, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for replacing sanitary sewer systems at three locations throughout the City of Mills that are significantly corroded and lack adequate capacity. The first area is near Poison Spider and 6th Ave and Marmot St and 5th Relay, the second is in the North Mountain View Area, and the final is near Oregon Trail and 3rd Ave. These locations are experiencing issues with improper structural connections to the sewer system, outdated infrastructure that is made of inferior/susceptible materials, and a general lack of adequate capacity which has led to corrosion, infiltration, and a host of other issues. This request is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as replacing the aging sewer system elements will ensure that the City can properly hand sewer water and guarantee the health of residents and the environment. The project will also reduce long-term maintenance costs and mitigate the risk of costly sewer line breaks in the future.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Bitter Creek Restoration Project
Requested Amount: $3,031,279.61
Intended Recipient: City of Rock Springs, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request will support the completion of Phase 2 of the Bitter Creek Restoration Project. Specifically, this project consists of several components including removing downtown and residential areas from the existing floodplain allowing numerous properties to be improved to provide much-needed housing and economic growth; regrading the creek channel to establish stabilized creek banks to increase the flood-carrying capacity of Bitter Creek; constructing pathways adjacent to the creek to ensure recreational trail access to the public while also providing City personnel access to the creek for sustainable maintenance; and restoring the natural ecosystem of Bitter Creek by removing invasive and noxious vegetation. The flooding at Bitter Creek is a well-documented issue, adversely affecting vulnerable residents and economic growth in Sweetwater County. Rock Springs is uniquely connected to Bitter Creek as it is the primary drainage through the city and serves a community of approximately 23,000 people. However, the floods at Bitter Creek are unpredictable and notably large and violent. As a result, residential neighborhoods and commercial/retail areas surrounding the creek have been designated as a FEMA flood plain which has severely stunted growth and development. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as completion of this restoration project would control flooding and eliminate the potential for further damage, stimulate substantial economic growth and benefits to the surrounding community, and improve connectivity with and enhance the City's existing trails and parks systems by adding new pedestrian trail for recreational use.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration Project
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: Goshen Irrigation District
Explanation of the Request: The purpose of the Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration Project is to avoid another costly system failure and to ensure a reliable and long-term economic outlook for water delivery service to the farmers which Goshen Irrigation Districts serves. Funding from this request would cover preconstruction activities and sitework at Tunnels #1 and #2 along the Fort Laramie Canal. In July 2019, Tunnel #2 on the Fort Laramie Canal collapsed, impacting approximately 107,000 production acres in Wyoming and Nebraska and resulting in an estimated $89 million economic impact. An exhaustive analysis of alternatives has been conducted, leading to the selection of a preferred rehabilitation option. Despite temporary repairs to the tunnels to restart service, the Fort Laramie Canal system remains vulnerable to further major failures. Comprehensive repairs and replacements are essential to ensure dependable service and mitigate the risk of future costly breakdowns. Goshen Irrigation District provides irrigation to 52,484 acres of irrigated lands in Goshen County, Wyoming and delivers irrigation water, on behalf of the United States Bureau of Reclamation, to approximately 54,600 acres in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. Ownership of the project and facilities rests with the United States through the Bureau of Reclamation. Although the structures and system are now over a century old, the responsibility for permanent repairs lies with the Goshen Irrigation District.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) Deice Pad Improvements - Phase 2
Requested Amount: $9,656,250
Intended Recipient: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for the completion of Phase 2 of the Deice Pad Improvements, increasing both safety and operational efficiency. The existing deice pad at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) was constructed in 2011 and is insufficient in collection capability, safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility components in addition to often being overwhelmed during the colder seasons due to the limited number of deice positions and queuing space. This congestion causes aircraft to back up on Taxiway A while waiting to enter the deice pad. The resulting delays can affect air traffic control both regionally and nationally, and increase the likelihood of health and safety concerns for passengers. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as Phase 2 of the deice pad improvements would include increasing the capacity of the existing aircraft deice positions from three to five. Additionally, phase 2 deice pad improvements will include an upgraded aircraft deicing collection system with greater capacity and remote monitoring and control capabilities. Making these critical improvements to aircraft deicing operations and collection systems will reduce aircraft dwell, delay, and taxi times, improve regional and national reliability and safety, and continue to support economic development within Wyoming. In addition, the proposed improvements would increase seasonal capabilities and reliability at the airport and provide numerous air and water quality benefits associated with the deicing process, which is a priority for this location within a national park.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Arapahoe Industrial Park Wastewater Improvements
Requested Amount: $3,337,210
Intended Recipient: Northern Arapahoe Tribe
Explanation of the Request: This request would support Arapahoe Industrial Park Wastewater Improvements including the replacement of the lift station, rehab of six manholes, rehab and replacement of approximately 1900 lineal feet of VCP sewer line, cleaning and rehabilitation/relining of the lagoon, the addition of an approximately 9-acre evaporation pond, and an investigation of the contamination level of local water sources. The Northern Arapahoe, located on the Wind River Reservation in Central Wyoming, faces significant water infrastructure issues due to dilapidated infrastructure and patchwork repair over the years. Geotechnical investigations at the Arapahoe Industrial Park (AIP) were conducted in November 2022 to determine the suitability of the soils being re-used for wastewater lagoon liner soils. According to the geotechnical investigation at this site, the existing soils are likely "seeping" untreated wastewater into the groundwater below. Shallow drinking water wells exist in the area, and the existing lagoon system is located directly adjacent to the Little Wind River. Erosion of the berms, or total failure of the berms at the AIP lagoon site due to river flooding pose further risk of leakage of untreated wastewater into the Little Wind River if not addressed. A 2015 Sanitary Survey by EPA Region 8 Inspectors and further investigation found that corrective action must be taken on this lagoon site to ensure that the facility is “operating in a manner compliant with federal law and protective of public health and the environment.” The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it takes steps to ensure that the project area is operating in a manner that protects public health and the surrounding environment.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation and Expansion Project
Requested Amount: $3,865,000
Intended Recipient: Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS)
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for rehabilitating and extending the General Aviation (GA) apron to expand the airport's capacity and increase safety. The current GA apron layout poses safety concerns with numerous taxiway object-free area intrusions which can lead to aircraft collisions and ground service accidents. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as rehabilitation and expansion of the existing apron will significantly increase safety for passengers and crew members by reducing the likelihood of accidents while improving operational efficiency by enhancing apron flow and minimizing interference during taxiing, ultimately ensuring safer operations for both aircraft and ground handling crews alike. The expansion also plays a significant role in positively influencing economic development, tourism, and connectivity within Wyoming by allowing the airport to accommodate increased traffic.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Gregory Lane Safety and Efficiency Upgrade Project
Requested Amount: $4,652,000
Intended Recipient: Town of Jackson, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for the remaking of the Gregory Lane corridor in Jackson, WY, by upgrading the streetscape and water infrastructure. Gregory Lane is a thoroughfare in the Town of Jackson that connects South Park Loop Road with High School Road. This road is home to residential, commercial, and light industrial uses and is an essential corridor for students walking to Colter Elementary, Jackson Hole Middle School, Summit Innovations, Jackson Hole High School, and the Jackson Hole Community School. The roadway's narrow configuration, lack of sidewalks, safe crossing infrastructure, and mixed residential and commercial/light industrial uses make for a dangerous travel environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Numerous blind spots, sharp curves, hidden driveways, and the lack of curbs also pose safety risks for drivers, amplified by the volume of heavy vehicle traffic going to and from the commercial and industrial businesses along the roadway. The lack of streetlights makes it dangerous for schoolchildren who must walk home in the dark during the winter months. The area also lacks any stormwater infrastructure, leading to costly localized flooding and harming the health of the already impaired Flat Creek as stormwater washes industrial discharge and roadway pollutants into the watershed. This project will remake Gregory Lane into a complete street by adding sidewalks, safe crossing infrastructure, and stormwater management infrastructure; upgrading water and sewer utilities; installing lighting; and ensuring safe routes to schools. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will boost safety for all roadway users, but especially K-12 students who live near Gregory Lane and must contend with unsafe travel conditions to walk or bike to their schools. The project will also upgrade stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding and runoff to improve environmental health; and will lower long-term maintenance costs.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: Snow King Complete Street Project
Requested Amount: $1,260,000
Intended Recipient: Town of Jackson, WY
Explanation of the Request: This request would allow for improving sewer infrastructure along Snow King Avenue as part of a broader Complete Street project. Specifically, these infrastructure improvements would include replacing aged iron water and sanitary sewer mains. The broader project will design and construct improvements along Scott Lane and Maple Way from the intersection at Snow King Ave to the new Post Office for bicycle, pedestrian, and ADA access. Construction will be coordinated with water and wastewater utility upgrades in the corridor. This specific funding request will help cover the costs of sewer infrastructure upgrades to occur concurrently with streetscape improvements. The project area is one of the most prominent and concerning "safety hotspots" in the Town bike and pedestrian network. The broader project will boost safety for all roadway users, but especially bicyclists and pedestrians; enhance accessibility to downtown Jackson; and promote watershed health by improving sanitary sewer infrastructure to mitigate negative impacts to the Flat Creek Watershed to benefit all of Wyoming. This request is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will allow for the completion of adequate sewer collection infrastructure to convey sewage to the Town's permitted Wastewater Treatment Plant, protecting Flat Creek and the Snake River from water quality impairments related to human waste.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: US 191 Pavement Rehabilitation, Rock Springs to Utah Border - Sweetwater County, WY
Requested Amount: $6,500,000
Intended Recipient: Wyoming Department of Transportation
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for rehabilitating pavement and improving service along 6 miles of US 191 from an area south of Rock Springs, WY, to the Utah border. The road is a national Scenic Byway route that handles significant tourism traffic as well as freight and other trough traffic affecting Rock Springs and southwest Wyoming. This rehabilitation project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will improve pavement condition, safety, ride quality, and overall level of service.
Member Certification Form:
Project Name: WY 210 Rehabilitation, Cheyenne, WY
Requested Amount: $10,000,000
Intended Recipient: Wyoming Department of Transportation
Explanation of the Request: This request will allow for a mill, overlay, and chip seal along 10 miles of WY 210. The proposed work is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will result in complete pavement rehabilitation for WY 210 providing for a safer road with smoother ride quality, particularly in winter conditions. Ensuring this route remains safe and in good condition is paramount for this popular route connecting Cheyenne and Laramie and connecting locals and visitors alike to nearby recreation opportunities all year long.
Member Certification Form: