| Dear Senator/Representative , The Direct Operational Risk Posed by the Port of Entry Compensation Crisis. The total investment required to align all Wyoming Highway Patrol POE Officer’s compensation with the 2024 Market Pay Policy (MPP) is $571,502.79. (WYDOT) (Salary Adjustment Report) (Pg. 16) To provide fiscal context, this expenditure is approximately the cost of repaving a ½ mile stretch of a standard two-lane highway. The average turnover rate in the last five years (2021-2025) for our Port of Entry personnel stands at 48.45%. This high turnover, linked to “woefully inadequate” pay, directly jeopardizes commercial vehicle safety: 1) Approximately 13,000 commercial vehicles traverse I-80 alone each day, and this number may increase to 16,000 each day during peak periods. (WYDOT) (The 2008-2009 I-80 tolling study) 2) Compliance Risk: The failure to fill these specialized positions exposes Wyoming to significant risk, allowing non-compliant, overweight vehicles onto our roads, leading to accelerated infrastructure damage and lost revenue from uncollected permits. With the state’s improved revenue outlook this year, we have a timely opportunity to provide the support necessary for the Governor’s budget proposal. Investing in this proposal will fund the immediate action needed to stabilize these essential positions, ensuring the security of our state’s commerce and the long-term longevity of its highway infrastructure. |
| Sincerely, Matt Arnell President Wyoming Highway Patrol Association |