After a historic wildfire season that devastated Wyoming, lawmakers voted on Tuesday to reduce proposed recovery funding from $130 million to $100 million.
The funds, initially planned as grants, will now be offered as loans with a 2% interest rate.
The decision came during a Joint Appropriations Committee meeting, where Rep. Abby Angelos, a Republican from the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, introduced the motion to cut the funding. Angelos described her proposal as a compromise between Governor Mark Gordon’s request and a more severe proposal to halve the budget.
Last year’s wildfires burned more than 850,000 acres, with nearly 70% of the damage occurring on private and state lands. The fires depleted the state’s firefighting funds, the governor’s contingency account, and emergency reserves, leading Governor Gordon to request $130 million to replenish those accounts and fund recovery efforts.
Governor Gordon’s proposal sought to use the funds for invasive grass treatment, watershed restoration, habitat recovery, and rebuilding agricultural infrastructure. However, Angelos’ motion shifted the administration of the funds to the Wyoming Business Council, which will offer the money as low-interest loans rather than grants.
The governor emphasized the need for swift action to mitigate the damage and prepare for potential future emergencies, including flooding or snowstorms.
“We owe it to those we represent to keep our state, communities, and livelihoods safe,” Gordon said.
Angelos’ motion was approved by the majority of the committee, with only Reps. Trey Sherwood (D-Laramie) and Scott Smith (R-Lingle) opposing it. A more drastic proposal from Sen. Dan Laursen (R-Powell), which sought to reduce the recovery funds to $60 million, failed in a tied vote.
Some lawmakers expressed support for the loan structure, arguing it ensures accountability while still aiding those affected.
“The loan is a way of recognizing that this is the people of Wyoming’s money, and we are accountable to them for it,” Angelos said.
Others, including Senate President Bo Biteman, opposed grants altogether, calling them “just giving money away.”
Critics of the cuts argue that the funding is vital to help ranchers and landowners rebuild, especially given the scale of last year’s damage. For example, the House Draw Fire in Johnson County destroyed 175,000 acres and caused an estimated $25 million in economic losses.
In response to the budget reduction and the ongoing recovery needs, Governor Gordon announced two community forums to discuss his wildfire recovery proposals.
The forums, open to the public, will take place on Monday, January 27:
- Sheridan College, Whitney Center for the Arts: 9-11 a.m.
- Gillette College, Main Presentation Hall: 12-2 p.m.
These forums aim to address the governor’s budget recommendations, which include restoring grasslands, hay, and forage damaged by the wildfires, as well as replenishing state emergency accounts.
Governor Gordon reiterated his commitment to recovery efforts, calling it a “top priority.” He noted that the fires had cost Wyoming over $55 million in firefighting expenses and emphasized the importance of preparing for future disasters.
With input from Wyo File, Sheridan Media, and County 17.
