HB0082

Authorizes the state to invest up to $250 million from the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund in transportation construction loans, establishes an interstate highways traffic study task force, and funds specific highway improvement projects.

• Creates the Strategic Investments and Projects Account allowing the state treasurer to invest up to $250 million from the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund in department of transportation construction loans through June 30, 2030, with interest rates not exceeding 2.5%. (W.S. 9-1-420(a), W.S. 9-1-420(b))
• Establishes a repayment mechanism requiring the state auditor to transfer funds from the strategic investments and projects account back to the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund beginning June 30, 2027, with annual transfers up to $50 million plus interest until loans are repaid. (W.S. 9-1-420(e))
• Authorizes the transportation commission to direct available federal highway safety funds to approved highway construction projects. (W.S. 9-1-420(d))
• Approves six specific highway projects for planning, design and construction using funds made available under the new loan authority: passing lanes on US Highway 20 in three segments between Casper and Thermopolis; expansion of US Highway 287 between Laramie and Colorado to four lanes; expansion of Wyoming Highway 59 between Wright and Gillette to five lanes; and an alternative paved highway from Rock Springs to Green River north of Interstate 80. (Section 3)
• Creates the interstate highways traffic study task force consisting of six legislative members (three from house, three from senate), three state government members, and six public members representing trucking, local governments, mining, agriculture, construction, and railroad industries. (Section 4(a))
• Assigns the task force to study traffic conditions on Wyoming's interstate highways (focusing on Interstate 80), evaluate methods to reduce traffic and highway deterioration including railroad transport of commercial vehicles and additional lanes, explore funding strategies, and report recommendations to the governor and legislative committees by July 1, 2027. (Section 4(b))
• Provides task force member compensation including legislative salaries and per diem under existing law, and per diem and mileage for public and state government members, with the task force terminating November 1, 2027.