3/2/05-Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed a scaled back version of legislation Feb. 25 that will accelerate funding for multilane highway projects in Wyoming.
The new law, previously SF127, calls for a one-time infusion of $7 million for engineering and constructing multilane highways. The revenue will come from the state’s Budget Reserve Account.
The original language of the bill offered much more money for roads.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, the original version would have diverted $36 million in federal mineral tax income a year for four-lane projects, with no end date.
After numerous amendments, the House and Senate settled on the $7 million figure.
In addition, the Senate also removed reference to four-lane highways; “multilane” was substituted because some areas might allow only enough room for three lanes. Other segments might be widened to five lanes.

2/25/05-The Legislature has approved a scaled-back version of a bill that would accelerate funding for multilane highway projects. The measure has been forwarded to Gov. Dave Freudenthal for approval.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, the bill would spend $7 million, one-time, for engineering and constructing multilane highways. The revenue would come from the state’s Budget Reserve Account.
The original language of the bill would have diverted $36 million in federal mineral tax income a year for four-lane projects, with no end date.
SF127 passed the House Feb. 18 on a 56-3 vote. The Senate gave its final approval Feb. 22 by a vote of 26-4.
Von Flatern’s bill was amended by the Senate to remove reference to four-lane highways; “multilane” was substituted because some areas might allow only enough room for three lanes. Other segments might be widened to five lanes.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

2/17/05-The House Appropriations Committee voted 4-3 on Feb. 15 to approve a scaled-back version of a bill that would accelerate funding for multilane highway projects. The measure has been sent to the full House for consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, SF127 would spend $20 million, one-time, for engineering and constructing multilane highways. The revenue would come from the state’s Budget Reserve Account.
The original language of the bill would have diverted $36 million in federal mineral tax income a year for four-lane projects, with no end date. The Senate-approved version cut that amount to $10 million before the House panel doubled it.
Von Flatern’s bill also was amended by the Senate to remove reference to four-lane highways; “multilane” was substituted because some areas might allow only enough room for three lanes. Other segments might be widened to five lanes.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

2/15/05-The Senate has approved a scaled-back version of a bill that would accelerate funding for multilane highway projects. The measure has been sent to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, SF127 would spend $10 million, one-time, for engineering and constructing multilane highways. The revenue would come from the state’s Budget Reserve Account.
The original language of the bill would have diverted $36 million in federal mineral tax income a year for four-lane projects, with no end date.
Von Flatern’s bill was amended by the Senate to remove reference to four-lane highways; “multilane” was substituted because some areas might allow only enough room for three lanes. Other segments might be widened to five lanes.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

1/27/05-The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a measure that would give the Wyoming Department of Transportation roughly $36 million a year to design, build and maintain four-lane highways in the state, with roads impacted by mineral development being the highest priority.
SF127, sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

1/23/05-A bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee would give the Wyoming Department of Transportation roughly $36 million a year to design, build and maintain four-lane highways in the state, with roads impacted by mineral development being the highest priority.
SF127, sponsored by Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, is awaiting a hearing before the Senate panel. It has received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.