Fremont County commissioner Dwayne McFall elected president of Western Interstate Region; county to host board in September

Dwayne McFall, a Fremont County commissioner, was elected president of the Western Interstate Region during the group's conference in Maui County, commissioners said in a recorded update Friday.

The role will expand McFall's responsibilities beyond the county: he told listeners the presidency means representing about 17 Western states on regional public-lands issues and that he expects to attend meetings such as the Western Governors Association and to potentially testify before Congress on public-lands matters. "I'm looking forward to it," McFall said.

The position also gives Fremont County a hosting opportunity. McFall said the WIR board meeting scheduled for September will be held in the president's county, and he plans to invite two commissioners from each of the 17 states and association executives for about two-and-a-half days of meetings. "We're gonna start off at the bridge," he said, adding that logistics are still being worked out and that the visit will bring delegates and spending to the county.

McFall and Commissioner Debbie Bell framed the presidency as a platform to press federal officials on funding for counties with large amounts of public land. McFall said WIR and the National Association of Counties provide a channel to lobby for payments in lieu of taxes (PIL), which he estimated at about $1,200,000 a year for Fremont County. "That's why we participate in these. Our voice is heard," he said.

Bell described the conference as an opportunity for networking and promoting county assets, noting she has highlighted local projects such as Pathfinder Park during conversations with other western county officials. Both commissioners said McFall will continue his county duties while taking on the additional regional responsibilities.

Fremont County officials said planning for the September board visit is under way; McFall said the county will host sessions and tours intended to showcase local assets and to provide the delegates an opportunity to see the region.