Wyoming Faces Uncertainty as Federal Grant Freeze Puts Over $100 Million at Risk

A recent freeze on federal grants has placed over $100 million in funding for Wyoming programs in jeopardy, affecting key investments in food security, energy efficiency, and infrastructure projects, WyoFile reports.

The freeze, initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration, has led to uncertainty among state officials, municipalities, and advocacy groups that have relied on federal support for critical programs.

One of the immediate effects of the grant freeze is the loss of $535,000 for the Food Bank of Wyoming, which had been promised funding through a 2023 Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement. The grant was intended to combat food insecurity—which is currently at its highest level in a decade in Wyoming—while also supporting local agricultural producers.

Another major program affected is Wyoming’s Home Energy Savings program, which was designed to help residents reduce energy costs. The program, overseen by the Wyoming Energy Authority, is now in limbo, putting $69 million in funding at risk. As electricity costs continue to rise, the uncertainty surrounding this funding could have serious consequences for low-income households in the state.

The freeze has also halted Wyoming’s Solar for All grant program, which was set to receive $30 million, including $8 million specifically for the Wind River Indian Reservation. The grant would have provided solar energy rebates and workforce training for tribal and low-income communities, but now those benefits remain uncertain.

State officials say that tracking the total impact of the federal grant freeze is difficult, as various state agencies, municipalities, and organizations manage different grant applications and awards. Dru Palmer, manager of Wyoming’s State Grants Integration Office, referred inquiries about the funding freeze to Governor Mark Gordon’s office, which has been receiving information on a case-by-case basis.

“Right now, a lot is still up in the air,” said Michael Pearlman, Communications Director for Governor Gordon. “Each federal agency is issuing its own guidance in terms of what programs can move forward, and which ones are still paused.”

According to the Wyoming Outdoor Council, at least $100 million in grants for Wyoming’s state agencies, tribal governments, and other entities has either been canceled or frozen. However, estimates suggest that the total amount of funding at stake could be as high as $2 billion.

Beyond current grants, there is growing concern about the future of federal funding opportunities. Municipalities like Cheyenne, which frequently secures grant funding for technology and infrastructure projects, are worried about long-term impacts.

Renee Smith, Economic Resource Administrator for the City of Cheyenne, said that some federal agencies have advised local governments to continue applying for grants as usual while awaiting further updates. However, she noted that several key grant programs have already been paused, particularly those under the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Forest Service.

“There are no grants for me to apply for right now,” Smith said. “If I’m not writing grants, we’re not getting grants next year to do infrastructure projects.”

The Trump administration has also signaled plans for major budget cuts to federal agencies, which could further reduce the availability of funding for Wyoming communities in the coming years.

Wyoming leaders, including Governor Gordon and the state’s congressional delegation, are actively working to secure exceptions for critical grant programs. Meanwhile, a group of Wyoming community advocates and town officials is traveling to Washington, DC, to advocate for continued funding.

Although the future remains uncertain, many local leaders stress that these grants provide essential support for Wyoming communities—helping families save money, supporting local businesses, and funding infrastructure improvements.

“These aren’t abstract government initiatives,” said Big Wind Carpenter, Tribal Engagement Coordinator for the Wyoming Outdoor Council. “They are real programs that help people in Wyoming afford basic services.”