State, county and private partners propose wildlife crossing on Highway 189; WYDOT has design funding, construction date not set

Sen. Dan Dockstader placed a Highway 189 wildlife‑crossing proposal before the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 4 as representatives from state agencies, conservation groups and private industry described the project.

Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, said the corridor averages about 60 wildlife collisions a year and is in the top‑10 priority areas for wildlife crossings in the state. "The high level of collision on Hwy 189 with wildlife (60 on average per year) has put it in the top 10 areas of priority for wildlife crossings," Johnson said.

Representatives from Wyoming Game and Fish described biological considerations: the area is winter range for the Uinta/Southern Wyoming Range deer herd and the design would pair an overpass for pronghorn with underpasses for mule deer plus high fencing. WYDOT Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman told the board WYDOT has funding for design but not a projected construction year. Game and Fish President Ken Roberts said the commission is committed to these projects and has dedicated millions of dollars to similar work.

TerraPower representatives (including Project Manager Andy Chrusciel and Rita Meyer) emphasized worker safety and corridor protection related to project operations; Chrusciel said TerraPower is coordinating to maintain a north‑south corridor across Little Muddy Creek to avoid blocking wildlife movement. Nate Brown of the Wildlife Fund encouraged fast‑tracking the project and noted nonprofit and donor partners may contribute matching funds; the group discussed contributing $2 million as a grant match toward construction.

Commissioner Connelly agreed to be the county point of contact for the project; Chairman Hansen offered a letter of support if requested. WYDOT, Game and Fish and proponents offered to conduct a site visit for county representatives.

What happens next: proponents will provide a list of committed funders and top priority sites; county staff and the point of contact will coordinate site visits and follow up on partnership and matching‑fund opportunities. No construction schedule or binding funding commitment was recorded in the transcript.