Commission declines viewer‑recommended change to McKinnon Road right‑of‑way after residents raise safety and access concerns

The Sweetwater County Board of Commissioners on March 17 rejected a proposal to alter County Road 1 (the McKinnon Road) to a 90‑foot right‑of‑way after extended public comment and discussion.

Background and procedure: The alteration followed the statutory viewer process (Wyoming Stat. 24‑3 series), which produced a written viewers' report recommending a 90‑foot right‑of‑way rather than the 60‑foot width petitioned by the applicant. Staff issued a notice of intent and mailed certified notices to affected property owners and utilities; the public comment period closed March 6. Commissioners emphasized they were limited to the scope in the notice of intent—accepting, denying, or readvertising if they wished to adopt a different width.

Public concerns: During the meeting residents and stakeholders urged the board to protect long‑standing access, schoolbus and mailbox locations, and winter safety. A resident identified as Cordova said, "There is no land swap in any agreement — please do not take the safest route for us to exit and enter our home." Jana Young argued the corridor has created legally recognized access rights and asked the board to deny narrowing or abandonment "unless and until a comprehensive engineering and safety study is completed." Multiple speakers described bus‑stop geometry, blind corners on County Road 414, and the risk to children if access points were moved or reduced.

Petitioner's position and legal notes: Petitioner Jared Triplet submitted the petition and materials; he and a supporting witness offered clarifications during the hearing. County staff noted ambiguity in historic public versus county road status and that the viewers' report attempted to balance private and public convenience.

Commission action: Following discussion, Commissioner Richards moved the resolution that would have adopted the viewer recommendation (90 ft); the motion failed on roll call (Richards — no; Tolman — no; West — no; Jones — no; Slaughter — no). Because the board rejected the proposed alteration, the right‑of‑way remains in its current configuration and staff were directed to draft a new resolution consistent with the commissioners' decision for the next meeting.

Why it matters: The petition involved long‑used local access relied upon by multiple families and school transportation. Commissioners repeatedly cited the need for clearer safety and relocation plans before changing dedicated roadway access, and the vote signals deference to community safety concerns and the need for additional stakeholder coordination.

What's next: Staff will prepare follow‑up materials and a new resolution reflecting the board's decision. Commissioners suggested the petitioner and affected residents, the postal service and the school district work through a community‑level solution and, if necessary, resubmit a new notice of intent for a different right‑of‑way width.