Highway Funding Concerns Loon In Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Department of Transportation officials say uncertainty remains about how much highway money the state can expect to receive after the current federal transportation bill expires next year.

There are concerns that the federal government could cut its funding to states. Wyoming gets about $244 million a year.

WYDOT chief engineer Del McOmie said Congress will have to find a new revenue source or drastically cut its funding levels because the federal Highway Trust Fund is running out of money.

The Associated Press reports that even with a new 10-cent fuel tax increase, WYDOT officials say they need an additional $62.1 million per year just to maintain the highway system in its current condition.

McOmie says WYDOT is being proactive in case its federal share is cut.