Transportation Planning Process

WYDOT under the direction of the Transportation Commission is responsible for determining priorities for highway improvements and maintenance, highway safety programs and rural mass transit programs. WYDOT-working with local governments, the Transportation Commission, various stakeholders and the public-takes the lead in a planning process that emphasizes public involvement and interaction with local officials. WYDOT undertakes project identification, selection and prioritization. Identified and programmed projects are presented to and finally approved by the Transportation Commission annually. The resulting document is the six-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Local entities select projects in cities, towns and counties that are not on the state highway system.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The Legislature, by and large, has remained in the mode of assessing needs and providing funding through the budget process. It has refrained from large-scale earmarking or prioritizing projects. The Legislature can provide special appropriations for promoting types of projects, but the constitution limits the Legislature's ability to provide special funding for individual projects (Wyo. Const. §97-3- 027).