School district seeks support for federal grant to upgrade career facilities

Decreasing enrollment countered by reopening of rural school

Council approves $2.2 million payment for wastewater treatment plant

Riverbank armoring project completed at Riverside Memorial Park

Commission rejects funding for Gaston Bridge repairs in split vote

Vandalism reported at closed bridge site

WYDOT reports inflation has tripled road construction costs

Major I-80 and tunnel repairs to continue through 2027

School district seeks support for federal grant to upgrade career facilities

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Superintendent Dr. Scott Cooper requested a letter of support from the City Council for a congressional direct spending grant. The funding is intended to overhaul the high school's career and technical education facilities, specifically the welding, woods and auto shops, which the superintendent noted are 30 years old and facing infrastructure issues like tripping breakers and poor ventilation. The proposed upgrades would allow for program expansion, including the construction of tiny homes indoors.

Decreasing enrollment countered by reopening of rural school

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — During the presentation to the council, the superintendent reported that district enrollment is down by roughly 70 students this year, a trend attributed to lower regional birth rates. Despite the decline, the superintendent announced the district is reopening Thoman Ranch School next week after a multiyear closure, bringing the total number of schools in the district from nine to 10.

Council approves $2.2 million payment for wastewater treatment plant

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The council voted unanimously to release $2,263,946.97 in retainage fees to Bodell Construction for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Facility project. Public Works Director Mark Westenskow confirmed the facility is substantially complete, operational and meeting treatment standards, though a small portion of funds is being withheld pending the delivery and installation of a second bar screen expected in early February.

Riverbank armoring project completed at Riverside Memorial Park

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The council authorized the release of $22,463.89 in retainage funds for the completion of the riverbank armoring project at Riverside Memorial Park. Addressing council concerns about the durability of the work during spring runoff, city staff explained that while some native "sacrificial" material on top may erode, the underlying design utilizes large, interlocking boulders and rock sills to stabilize the bank and withstand high river flows.

Commission rejects funding for Gaston Bridge repairs in split vote

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County Commission rejected a proposal to spend approximately $31,000 for temporary repairs to the closed Gaston Bridge in a split 3-2 vote Tuesday. Public Works Director Gene Legerski recommended replacing a deteriorated bent to allow light traffic until the Wyoming Department of Transportation replaces the structure in 2028. While Commissioners Robb Slaughter and Mary Thoman voted in favor to prevent a 50-mile detour for local ranchers and residents, Commissioner Island Richards joined Commissioner Taylor Jones and Chairman Keaton West in voting against the measure, citing declining revenues and the inefficiency of funding a temporary fix for a bridge used by an average of only three vehicles every four days.

Vandalism reported at closed bridge site

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Public Works Director Gene Legerski reported significant vandalism at the Gaston Bridge closure site, telling commissioners that 10 signs were destroyed and a Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office variable message board valued at approximately $14,000 was ruined by shotgun fire. Legerski stated the damage occurred in recent weeks as drivers reportedly moved barricades to illegally cross the structurally deficient bridge despite the closure, raising concerns about public safety and the rising costs of maintaining the secure perimeter.

WYDOT reports inflation has tripled road construction costs

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation District 3 Engineer John Eddins told commissioners during a State Transportation Improvement Program presentation that the department has shifted to "pavement preservation mode" because inflation has tripled infrastructure costs while the district's budget has remained flat at roughly $80 million since 2010. Eddins illustrated the financial strain by explaining that a 10-mile interstate project costing $9 million in 2008 now ranges between $20 million and $30 million, forcing the state to prioritize maintaining existing pavement over total reconstruction where possible.

Major I-80 and tunnel repairs to continue through 2027

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation officials outlined a schedule of ongoing and future projects for Interstate 80, including significant electrical and safety upgrades to the Green River Tunnels. Construction crews will continue work on the Patrick Draw area and the eastbound lanes through 2026, while the department plans to address the Wamsutter Interchange in 2027 by replacing the asphalt with concrete to better withstand heavy truck traffic. The comprehensive infrastructure plan also includes road closure system upgrades at key interchanges to help manage winter weather disruptions.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us