Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
Font Resize
 |
|
10/4/05-The Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee last month approved adding 20 officers to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The state’s Transportation Department only asked lawmakers to approve 15 additional troopers.
Republican Reps. Bryan Pederson of Cheyenne and Dave Edwards of Douglas, however, said they increased the number by 5 to improve the likelihood the Patrol would get the troopers it needs, The Associated Press reported.
Despite the likelihood of adding the additional troopers, Col. Sam Powell, the commander of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, told The AP at least one study has shown the Patrol is 100 troopers short of optimal staffing levels.
The measure is similar to one that was rejected by House lawmakers during the regular legislative session that ended in March.
