Posted 8-19-08

State Will Consider Helping to Buy and Store Sylvan Pass
Avalanche Equipment

In a letter to Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis following up on the latest Sylvan Pass Study Group meeting, the Governor said he planned to raise the issue with the Joint Appropriations Committee of the Wyoming Legislature. Governor's Office.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Office of the Governor) -- The state of Wyoming will “explore the possibility” of helping the National Park Service pay for additional avalanche control equipment for Sylvan Pass on the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said.

In a letter to Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis following up on the latest Sylvan Pass Study Group meeting, the Governor said he planned to raise the issue with the Joint Appropriations Committee of the Wyoming Legislature.

“While I obviously cannot guarantee success, I will commit to exploring the inclusion of both the one time $35,000 appropriation for the howitzer acquisition and the $3,500 ongoing costs for storage and maintenance by the Wyoming National Guard into my budget for this coming legislative session,” he said.

On July 21, 2008, the National Park Service amended its record of decision on winter access to Yellowstone National Park through Sylvan Pass to indicate that the pass will remain open in winter. The decision came after several meetings of the Sylvan Pass Study Group which included representatives from the National Park Service, the Governor’s Office, Park County and the City of Cody.

The text of the Governor’s letter follows.

August 14, 2008

Suzanne Lewis, Superintendent
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Dear Superintendent Lewis:

I understand that you have discussed with the Sylvan Pass Study Group the possibility of the State of Wyoming assisting in the purchase of a back-up howitzer to be used for avalanche control on Sylvan Pass.

Specifically, Yellowstone National Park has sought the State’s assistance to cover the acquisition and refurbishment costs for a surplus howitzer from the Avalanche Artillery Users of North America (AANUAC) in accordance with their agreement with the Rock Island Army Garrison. The cost for refurbishment and transportation of the howitzer is anticipated to be around $35,000. In addition to the cost for acquisition for the howitzer, I also understand that the Wyoming National Guard has the capacity to maintain and store both of the howitzers used on Sylvan Pass at their armory in Cody. The cost for this service has been estimated to be around $3,500 per year.

While I obviously cannot guarantee success, I will commit to exploring the inclusion of both the one time $35,000 appropriation for the howitzer acquisition and the $3,500 ongoing costs for storage and maintenance by the Wyoming National Guard into my budget for this coming legislative session.

I look forward to working with the legislators who participate in the Sylvan Pass Study Group and the co-chairs of the Joint Appropriations Committee to pursue this possibility.

Best regards,
Dave Freudenthal
Governor