Governor provides updates during virtual media conference

On Oct. 10, Gov. Mark Gordon hosted a virtual media conference to discuss Wyoming’s infrastructure and economy, provide a wildfire update and field questions from media members.

To begin the online news conference, Gordon thanked numerous media outlets for attending and gave a warm-hearted thank you to the hundreds of firefighters battling wildfires across the Cowboy State.

ARPA

Gordon opened the conference with the latest update on federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“My office is making an effort to secure as much funding as possible,” he stated.

The federal government requires each state to commit to specific uses of ARPA funds by Dec. 31 and spend the funds by Dec. 31, 2026.

Gordon mentioned, “We’ve really tried to make sure those dollars have been deployed in lasting assets because, countrywide, there was so much demand for this.” 

“If the dollars are not utilized, they have to go back to the federal government. I would love to see those dollars go back and offset the federal debt, but they won’t,” he stated. “If the state does not use the funds, they will be redeployed somewhere else, so we must ensure those dollars are well spent in Wyoming.”

Gordon explained ARPA funds cannot be appropriated until contracts are finalized, but several Wyoming communities have struggled to find contractors to help get plans in place. 

“So far, I believe we have done an exemplary job of creating long-lasting improvements for every citizen in Wyoming and every community,” he said.

However, some of the funding is already coming back after realizing projects, such as the Wheatland water tower, which wouldn’t be ready by the deadline.

“State officials will meet at the end of the month to discuss distributing funds to existing projects in place,” Gordon added. 

Grant office

The Wyoming Grants Management Initiative is one of many priorities Gordon has dedicated his time and interest to.

The new program is designed to increase access to federal funding and support grant opportunities across Wyoming.

“The office has been able to help communities fund water and sewer projects, health and human services, child and senior care and more,” he said. “This office is tasked to ensure we leave no stone unturned and help communities get the grants they need.”

“There have been about 175 technical assistance grant requests,” he added. “The office does not provide grants, but it provides the expertise to secure funding.”

Recently, Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) and Gordon presented at the second annual Wyoming Funding Summit and Grant Seminar in Riverton.

Wildfire update

“The Pack Trail Fire made a run last night,” Gordon stated. “We’re not out of fire season by a long shot. The amount of acreage burned up in Wyoming is unprecedented. I hate the term because I ended up having to use it a lot this year, but it is. It’s extraordinary.”

According to InciWeb, as of Oct. 10, the Pack Trail Fire was 62 percent contained and had burned 77,559 acres, with 639 personnel fighting it.

“The firefighting funds allowed in the state’s biennium budget have been entirely spent,” he said. “My office plans to borrow funds from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account to continue firefighting operations.”

Approximately $39 million from the state’s Emergency Fire Suppression Account has been used to fight the wildfires plaguing Wyoming this summer and in recent weeks.

“The House Draw Fire, which ignited Aug. 21, was the second-largest in Wyoming history,” Gordon said. 

The House Draw Fire burned more than 174,500 acres, and crews continue to battle the now 89,000-acre Elk Fire, according to InciWeb.

“The impact of these wildfires will take a while to address. It will take a while to understand what exactly has happened and potential consequences,” he added. 

He referenced recent concerns about fire retardants and ash possibly entering community water supplies around the state.

“I want to assure the public we’ve been in contact with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality,” he said. “We want to ensure we are not only mitigating any impact that might happen now but also plans to recover and protect water supplies and the safety and health of all of our citizens.”

Gordon was asked about his concerns about the wildfires and future funding during the conference.

“My hope is we will be able to replenish the funds,” Gordon said. “The issue I am concerned about is the U.S. Forest Service possibly not hiring the usual number of seasonal workers next year. We rely on those individuals as first responders at the outbreak of a wildfire.”

He added, “I am working with federal partners to make sure they understand this is perhaps not as unique of a year as we would like, and we need to make sure we have the resources available under any circumstance.”

A list of resources is currently being compiled and is available at bit.ly/wy-wildfire.

Questions from the press

The first question the governor fielded was in regards to a new proposed law allowing people to be charged with animal cruelty if they run animals down with snowmobiles and don’t kill them immediately.

“I do know livestock producers need to use means to control predators affecting their livestock, but as we saw in the Daniel wolf case, wardens or law enforcement should have the ability to increase the penalty if animal cruelty is recognized,” Gordon said. 

“I think everyone is in agreement there needs to be a balance, where cruelty to animals is recognized and penalized but protecting one’s livelihood is understood within reason,” he added. 

The governor also fielded a question about his recent executive order prohibiting state agencies from distributing voter registration materials to non-citizens in the state of Wyoming.

Gordon responded, “It seemed appropriate to make sure the Cowboy State doesn’t participate in any effort giving ineligible voters the ability to register.”

The governor said he’s had several conversations with county clerks who felt the order was helpful.

The order removes any confusion and clarifies state agencies will not enable or facilitate any non-citizen to register to vote or help them to vote.

The governor continued answering questions and commented on a recent online survey from the State Construction Department about allowing concealed carry of guns in the Capitol Extension.

“There’s been a lot of people who have expressed both sides of the sentiment. To me, I think it’s an evolving conversation,” Gordon said. “I would encourage people, if they feel strongly about this issue, to continue to put in their remarks during the comment period.”

Gordon closed the conference by reiterating he will continue hosting online media conferences periodically in the future. 

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.