Road Use Agreement for Wind Projects Signed by Commissioners

APRIL 30, 2025 |

Photo – Truck transporting a transformer to wind farm – Bigfoot99 file photo

Carbon County commissioners have updated the road use agreement for the Sierra Madre and Chokecherry Wind Energy Projects, aligning policies with current standards. During the April 15^th County Commissioners’ meeting held in Medicine Bow, Road and Bridge Coordinator Kandis Fritz presented an amended road use agreement with the Power Company of Wyoming for the Board’s approval.

County Attorney Ashley Davis explained the amended agreement brings the Sierra Madre and Chokecherry Wind Energy projects in line with existing county road use policies.

The Board unanimously voted to approve the amended road use agreement following attorney review.

Later during the April 15^th meeting, Medicine Bow rancher Bob Heward asked the Commissioners why County Road 99, north of the town, was left in poor condition after a nearby wind energy project finished construction.

Road and Bridge Coordinator Kandis Fritz responded that she has worked to improve the county’s road use agreement since she took over the department six years ago. What was once a simple two-page agreement has expanded to require companies to make extensive upgrades to county roads used by heavy equipment.

Additionally, Fritz explained that companies must provide video recordings of the roads before and after project completion to show they have complied with the road use agreement.

Local rancher Bob Heward said County Road 99 is almost entirely devoid of gravel and asked when it will be addressed. Road and Bridge Coordinator Fritz noted that she oversees 242 miles of dirt roads across Carbon County that require additional gravel.

Fritz said covering each mile of road requires 2,000 tons of gravel, totaling 486,000 tons at a cost of $7 million.

Commissioner John Johnson said the county is expecting to lose a significant amount of property tax revenue due to tax relief bills passed by the state legislature. With the reduced income, maintaining the county’s 361 miles of dirt roads will become more challenging.

Commission Chairman Travis Moore praised Road and Bridge Coordinator Fritz for ensuring that the county is properly compensated for wear and tear on its roads caused by heavy vehicle traffic. Chairman Moore agreed the reduced property tax revenue will make it more difficult to maintain county-owned roads.

The Board acknowledged Wyoming’s boom-and-bust economy and apologized that previous County Commissioners did not adequately prepare for the upcoming financial challenges. However, the Board pledged to do everything within its means to maintain the county’s roads with the reduced budget. In the meantime, the amended road use agreement will ensure the county is reimbursed for damage to its roads.