Rest stop part of state cutback

Due to the downturn in demand for Wyoming coal and oil, the state faces a decline in revenues to the tune of $1.4 billion this fiscal year. Citizens will likely be witnessing cuts statewide in many areas, one of which is the funding for rest areas along the interstates.

Local DOT crew leader Josh Didi explained that on Monday, June 15, the gates to the Moorcroft area rest stop will, too, be closed for the foreseeable future. “It’s possible that in late summer or fall they may be looking at opening it back up,” he said.

The cleaning and mowing contractor has already been released, said Didi, and his team will be maintaining the grounds. “We’ll have to keep this stuff (gesturing to the grass) mowed down so it doesn’t just overgrow,” he said, if an employee were to leave for some reason, that position would not necessarily be refilled at this time.