House OKs move to fund community college projects
CHEYENNE — Before voting to deny funding that could restore a deteriorating building at his local community college, Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, said it was one of his most difficult decisions as a lawmaker, despite supporting the move in the past.
“I’m a contractor. I understand the arguments. In fact, I’ve made them,” he said. “...
At this time I’m going to be a ‘no’ on this amendment. That’s probably the most reluctant ‘no’ that I’ve ever given.”
His decision came while the Wyoming House of Representatives was discussing changes to a bill allocating $445.7 million in federal, state and private funds for the state’s capital construction budget over the next two years.
While the bill authorizes massive projects like the $87 million remodel of the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming, the second-reading debate centered on how the state should handle deteriorating community college buildings and whether to bypass Gov. Mark Gordon’s recommendation to prioritize private funding over state tax dollars.
Funding community colleges
An amendment to the bill brought by Rep. Trey Sherwood, D-Laramie, sparked debate on the House floor. It sought to restore the state’s traditional 55% match for community college projects, shifting approximately $28 million for renovations at Laramie County Community College and Sheridan College from private funding back to the state’s general fund.
Sherwood argued that delays were becoming too costly.
“I think that we all like to get stuff done, and we like to finish what we start,” she said.
“... Between delays and inflation, we all know construction costs have gone up. I want the community colleges to be able to move forward and finish these projects ... for the students that are working in them.”
Supporters of the amendment described the state of campuses that justify the need for this move.
Rep. Rob Geringer, R-Cheyenne, highlighted the concrete issues at LCCC, where buildings were constructed with aggregate that has caused the structures to degrade over time.
“If we continue to let that go, eventually we’ll reach the point where those buildings are not able to be used anymore,” he said. “It’s not just a beautification facade project ... it’s also a safety measure.”
Rep. Marilyn Connolly, R-Buffalo, said the science building at Sheridan College is outdated and unsafe, noting the facility has ventilation problems and issues with fire suppression, lighting, security and functionality of lab spaces.
This story was published on Feb. 20, 2026.