FIFTY-EIGHTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE

APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2006 INTERIM

 

JOINT TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAYS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS INTERIM COMMITTEE

Initial Approved Budget: $25,000

 

Topic #1:          REAL ID/WyDot Funding Mechanism.

 

(a) The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requires states, by May of 2008, to make comprehensive security changes to drivers licenses and drivers license issuance procedures.  The committee will study implementation of the requirements and related homeland security issues.

 

(b) The overall funding mechanisms for WyDot have not been comprehensively reviewed since government reorganization brought five separate agencies into the Department.  The committee recommends that an appropriate committee or task force review the proper use of highway fund, general fund and other appropriations for the department's various divisions.

 

Topic #2:          Registration and Licensing of Alternative Vehicles.

 

There has been a proliferation of new utility and other small gasoline or electric vehicle designs.  Current statutory definitions and requirements for registration, licensing and use of these vehicles have become outdated and need to be comprehensively reviewed in light of the increasing use of these vehicles on public roads.

 

Topic #3:          Temporary Recreational Vehicles Sales Permits.

 

Recreational vehicle rally sponsors have begun hosting sales events at which unregulated out-of-state dealers market costly recreational vehicles in Wyoming.  A 2006 bill, which would have authorized temporary dealer display and sales permits for recreational vehicle shows, was tabled by the Senate Transportation Committee pending interim study by the joint committee.  The committee will study issues related to dealer licensing and interstate reciprocity.

 

Topic #4:          Interstate-80 Operational Issues.

 

The committee will investigate such issues as traffic levels, truck usage, potential safety enhancements and the possibility of an alternative highway corridor.

 

Topic #5:          Military Department Issues.

 

(a)    Camp Guernsey Expansion.  The role and usage of the facility have been growing rapidly, as has its physical size.  The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of the recent round of federal Base Realignment and Closing decisions and real estate acquisition opportunities.

 

(b)    Veteran's Statutes.  Current statutes contain various definitions of "veteran" for the purpose of different veterans' programs.  The committee will study coordination of the provisions and consistency with applicable federal laws.

 

Topic #6:          Aeronautical Education.

 

The Aeronautics Commission within WyDoT is statutorily directed to promote aviation education in Wyoming.  The Committee will investigate the commission's efforts in this regard and recommend any statutory or funding changes, including elimination of the requirement, indicated by the study. [Note: Changes made by Management Council]

 

Topic #7:          State Park Roads. (Topic Assigned by Management Council)

 

Study the issue of management, construction, maintenance and funding of state park roads.