Proposal would fund renovations at Wyoming’s veterans’ memorial museum

State officials would be allowed to arrange the museum renovation, with $5 million set aside for the project. The governor and Wyoming military department would work through the state construction department on planning, design, contracts, and construction at the Wyoming veterans’ memorial museum. The governor would have to approve every project contract. The $5 million would be the intended project cap from all sources, excluding money for unexpected needs. Spending the full amount would not be guaranteed. The money could only support this project. Any money left unspent and uncommitted would return as required by law when the project is completed. If the proposal became law, this funding would start immediately and remain available until the project is completed, unless otherwise provided.

A seven-member task force would advise state officials and monitor renovation contracts and progress. The group would include four legislators, two state agency representatives, and one person appointed by the governor to represent veterans. The task force would advise officials; the governor would retain authority to approve project contracts. The state construction department would staff the group, with help from the department of state parks and cultural resources. Reports would be due by November 1 each year the task force exists. The group would end June 30 of the year following the year when the project is completed and the museum is occupied.

The proposal would set aside $50,000 from the general fund for task force payments and expenses. The legislative service office would receive $25,000 for legislative members’ payments and other allowed task force expenses. The governor’s office would receive $25,000 for nonlegislative members’ payments. The money could only cover the stated task force costs. Any money left unspent and uncommitted would return as required by law when the renovation project is completed. Legislative members would receive salary, daily allowances, and travel expenses. State employee members would receive regular pay without extra salary, plus mileage and daily allowances if their employer does not reimburse them. Other members would receive daily allowances and mileage, but no salary. Funding would start when the proposal became law and end June 30 of the year following the year when the renovation is completed and the museum is occupied.