Could government be trimmed? Sure, but not WYDOT

The building and maintaining of infrastructure has always been an important piece of government spending and thus always a key destination for our tax dollars. So, when the Wyoming Department of Transportation officials are talking about having to prioritize available funding on certain roads to maintain and delay on others, it’s a concern and a caution for those who are focused on cutting more taxes. 

Yes, I’m all for low taxes and have repeatedly in this space argued for the abolition of property taxes — with an equivalent replacement in the form of higher sales tax — but if the state’s ability to maintain core infrastructure is harmed by stagnant funding in the face of rising costs, that’s a problem. 

Wyoming has been known for good roads — I recall a comment from Commissioner Scott Mangold last year about how stark the difference is in the road systems when you cross the border into Montana — but that doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. 

Wyomingites drive a good bit more on average per year than residents of any other state — the whole small town with long streets has an emphasis on the latter part of the expression. 

While I have one of the shortest commutes of my life driving in from Ralston every day, I also routinely go to Cody for meetings. Then there are the trips to Wapiti to see my folks, excursions to Yellowstone and the Bighorns, fishing trips to Fort Smith, Montana, regular visits to family near Douglas, business trips to Casper, Cheyenne and other locales, and even the occasional trek all the way to Colorado to see family. 

That’s just me, and my job doesn’t entail a whole bunch of driving. I’m sure you could talk to contractors, outfitters, tradespeople and, of course, truck drivers and my yearly travel log would easily be blown out of the water. 

Wyoming needs good roads and costs are rising, so even if many other program budgets are trimmed, WYDOT needs at the very least a flat budget, but hopefully more.