CHEYENNE -- An interim legislative panel is working on a plan to use severance tax revenue to pay for the widening and expansion of some of Wyoming’s most congested highways.

Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, said the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee has agreed to sponsor a bill in the next Legislature that would earmark a portion of severance tax revenue for construction of multi-lane highways.

Committee members were specifically interested in addressing sections of highway where the state's thriving economy has contributed to a drastic increase in traffic, including State Highway 59 from Wright to Gillette, U.S. Highway 191 from Rock Springs to Pinedale, and State Highway 220 south of Casper.

"We think these improvements are important enough that there should be money set aside to do them," Von Flatern said.

WYDOT Chief Engineer Del McOmie said some sections of state highways have already reached capacity, and others are nearing maximum levels. Safety is a concern in some areas, he said.

"What we see on these routes is they typically have a higher accident record," McOmie said. "That’s one of the reasons for trying to move these projects forward."

If approved, the bill would divert a portion of the severance tax revenue that currently flows into the Legislature's reserve fund to WYDOT for highways. A portion of that amount would go into an existing multi-lane highway account that was created by the Legislature several years ago but never funded.

Von Flatern estimated that $10 million to $15 million a year could flow into the multi-lane highway account if tax revenue remains strong.

Any project that increases the capacity of the standard two-lane state highway configuration could qualify for the funds, including four-lane projects, extra passing lanes and turning lanes.

A number of the multi-lane projects are already through the planning process and ready for bid. The additional funds would speed their completion, while creating another reliable funding stream for WYDOT, officials said.

"This bill would set aside a consistent, predictable funding source, which will allow the Department of Transportation to move up the timetable for construction," added Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, who serves on the interim committee.

The Legislature has appropriated millions in additional highway funds in recent years: $11 million in 2005, $75 million in 2006, $95 million in 2007, and $190 million in 2008.

Even with the increases, WYDOT officials have said they need an additional $250 million a year to catch up on overdue highway work and to maintain the state highway system.

Increased traffic, heavier vehicles, reduced federal funding and large increases in construction costs are driving the need for more highway maintenance, officials have said.

Reach reporter Jared Miller at (307) 632-1244 or at jared.miller@trib.com.