Wyoming House Leaders Prioritize Water and Infrastructure

Wyoming House Speaker nominee Lloyd Larsen named a $500 million highway funding shortfall as part of a four-point legislative agenda on Saturday. The plan was announced in Casper, where Larsen met with his newly elected leadership team to define the state's priorities for the coming session.

The first priority on the list is protecting the state's water supplies. Wyoming currently faces litigation and ongoing negotiations with six other states over how to ration water flows during periods of scarcity. The leadership team views this as a critical state issue that requires immediate attention.

The second focus is accommodating new industry and business. Larsen said the goal is to provide a clear pathway for economic growth while maintaining transparency with the public. This approach aims to ensure that new business developments align with the state's long-term interests.

Infrastructure repair and protection form the third priority. Larsen proposed a detailed study of water and sewer systems in local towns, including an assessment of the age of components down to the valves. The plan intends to help municipalities catch up on maintenance needs. Highway infrastructure is also a major component, given the repeated funding shortfalls announced by the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

A fifth priority emerged between the start of the leadership campaigns and the caucus elections on Saturday. This new item addresses the expected layoff of 350 workers in Sweetwater County's trona industry. The job cuts follow an announcement by WE Soda that it is shifting from underground mining to solution mining due to market pressures.

Majority Whip Cody Wylie, who represents Rock Springs, noted that the leadership role carries added weight because of his county's current hardships. He stated that the team intends to pursue these priorities aggressively while taking the time necessary to ensure the work is done correctly.

Majority Floor Leader JD Williams of Lusk emphasized his role as a voice for small towns and counties. He had just driven all night from Amarillo, Texas, to Wyoming after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded flights on Friday. Williams said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by the House to help carry the workload.

House Speaker Pro Tem nominee Andrew Byron of Jackson expressed excitement about the large turnover in the House when newly elected delegates take office in January. He said the new class brings impressive industry and community backgrounds. Larsen said he has already identified potential committee chairs but will wait to announce them after visiting with the candidates.