Tom Warne Report, 18 November 2011
Wyoming transportation officials announced the state will stop expanding highways as a result of financial constraints. The Wyoming Department of Transportation said it will concentrate its resources on maintaining existing highways, although current funding may not keep existing roadways in good repair for long, according to the agency’s head.
“We’re beginning to look at our transportation system from a maintenance perspective rather than [as] a highway improvement program,” WYDOT Director John Cox said, adding that the agency would enter into “kind of a survival mode.” Regarding the continued deterioration of the road system, Cox said the move only “staves off the inevitable.” Cox said it is vital for the state to locate new state and federal funding.
Other similar changes among state DOTs include Missouri laying off 1,200 transportation workers and Ohio DOT director Jerry Wray requesting a larger federal funding match. Maryland and Connecticut are turning to higher gas taxes to help funding levels, and Michigan is looking to do the same.