Where the Construction Infrastructure Stimulus Should Go in Wyoming

James K. Galbraith's recommendations are much better for a national economic stimulus, but it is all but certain monies will be appropriated by Congress and approved by Barack Obama that directs most funding towards infrastructural improvements, upgrades, and new construction.

This writer's recommendations for use of those federal dollars recommended for dispersal to state governments in early 2009 for transportation projects throughout my current home state of Wyoming:

1) Fully construct the high speed rail line from downtown Casper east and south along the I-25 corridor to the Colorado border with depots in downtown Casper, Eastridge, Glenrock, Douglas, Wheatland, the Horse Creek exit, and downtown Cheyenne. (188 miles)

2) Widening & extensive safety improvements on I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne, and between Green River and Rock Springs. (52 miles and 20 miles)

3) Construction of a new I-23 Interstate Highway between Rawlins and Casper. (approximately 100 to 110 miles)

4) Improvement to a four lane shouldered medianed interstate quality highway for US Hwy 20-26 between Casper and Riverton, and US Hwy 20-89 between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. (120 miles and 32 miles)

5) Improvement to a four lane shouldered medianed interstate quality highway for Wyoming State Highway 59 between Gillette and Douglas. (115 miles)

6) Improvement to a four lane shouldered and medianed interstate quality highway for Wyoming State Highway 120 between Cody and Thermopolis. ( 85 miles)

7) Complete reconstruction of I-80/I-25 interchange in Cheyenne and connecting highway and roads, interchanges and ramps within 1 - 10 miles to include widening, safety and access improvements and signage. (1 mile to the south, 9 miles to the north, and approximately 5 miles for connecting roads and streets for a total of 16 miles)

8) Preparation of infrastructure and support buildings for re-establishment of the Pioneer rail line from Amtrak from Utah line to Nebraska line, including depot restoration and modernization in Pine Bluffs, Cheyenne, Laramie, Medicine Bow, Walcott, Sinclair, Rawlins, Wamsutter, Rock Springs, Green River, Lyman, and Evanston. (approximately 418 miles)

9) Completion of the beltway loop (Wyoming State Highway 258) in Casper and conversion to a freeway level highway partially encircling Casper from Hwy 20/26 on the northwest side along the west and south sides of the city and connecting to I-25 east of Eastridge. (approximately 9 - 12 miles)

10) Improvement to a four lane shouldered and medianed interstate quality highway for US Hwy 85 from I-25 north of Cheyenne to Torrington. (77 miles)

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