Committee advances $15M tourism appropriation to recruit PRCA hall of fame to Cheyenne

CHEYENNE — Lawmakers on the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted to advance Senate File 124, a proposal that would use $15 million from the Wyoming tourism reserve and projects account alongside private matching and sponsorship commitments to recruit the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) hall of fame and associated tourism development to Cheyenne.

Senator Driscoll, who brought the bill, said the project has grown from a smaller recruitment pitch to an 800‑acre plan the local economic group Cheyenne Leads has assembled with private donors and sponsors. He told the committee that $15 million in private commitments from Leeds (Cheyenne Leads) have been pledged and that the bill specifies $15 million from the tourism account, with $3 million intended immediately for planning and design work.

"PRCA did not come to Wyoming. Wyoming went to the PRCA," Driscoll said, framing the measure as a tourism and economic‑development opportunity that he said could create hundreds of jobs and new tax revenue.

Members pressed the sponsor on legal and procedural safeguards. Representative Provenza asked whether Legislative Service Office (LSO) and the attorney general had vetted the bill for single‑purpose or special‑legislation problems; Driscoll said the language reflected work done by lawyers and others but later acknowledged he had not personally spoken to the AG’s office about the amendment and said he expected continued vetting. Seth Alvestad, a policy adviser in Governor Gordon’s office, told the committee the governor supports the appropriation and would sign the bill if it complies with the constitution’s single‑purpose rules.

Committee members asked for details on funding sources and sequencing. Driscoll described the project financing as a mix of private money (about $15 million pledged by Cheyenne Leads), roughly $10 million in corporate sponsorships (described as handshake commitments), a pending Laramie County ballot initiative that could add $4–5 million, and the state tourism funds. He said the PRCA board will ultimately decide whether to accept and execute an option on land and that a phased move could occur around 2029. Driscoll also said he expects the first construction phase to generate about 250 direct construction jobs.

Catherine Wilkinson of Cheyenne Leads told the committee private economic studies (including a University of Wyoming analysis) have been completed and that matching funds have been secured by a board vote. Local proponents including Andrew Juwanidis and Travis McNevin urged committee approval, citing community pride and expected off‑season tourism benefits.

After debate and questions, Representative Campbell moved the engrossed bill and Representative Provenza seconded. The clerk recorded nine ayes and the committee advanced SF124 to the floor; sponsors said they would coordinate floor sponsorship and continue responding to legal and fiscal questions.

What’s next: The bill was advanced to the House floor; staff and sponsors agreed to follow up with the attorney general’s office, the tourism department and the project leaders to clarify certification processes, timelines and any conditions attached to the appropriation.