Transportation

HB 82 authorizes Wyoming to use up to $250 million from the permanent mineral trust fund to provide low-interest loans for highway construction projects approved by the transportation commission, with repayment required by 2030. The bill specifically directs funds toward adding passing lanes on U.S. Highway 20 between Casper and Shoshoni after traffic studies. It requires the state auditor to transfer funds from a "strategic investments account" back to the mineral trust fund starting in 2027, capping annual transfers at $50 million or remaining loan balances. The bill also modifies how transportation funds are distributed and requires annual reports on public-purpose investments. This directly affects the Department of Transportation, mineral trust fund finances, and drivers using Highway 20.