Wyoming(WY)

Wyoming is adopting an "Infrastructure-First" approach to AAM, focusing on the electrification of its remote highway and tourism corridors. As of January 2026, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Aeronautics Division is utilizing its status as the third state to achieve "full build-out" of its electric vehicle charging network to pivot toward electric aviation charging standards.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Wyoming’s strategy is built on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) framework, which the state has successfully adapted for non-interstate highways.

• Resilient Infrastructure: WYDOT is currently deploying $48 million in federal formula funding to increase the resilience of its transportation system, which includes upgrading regional airports like Cheyenne (CYS) and Jackson Hole (JAC) for electric aircraft compatibility.
• AAM for Tourism: A 2026 strategic priority is using NEVI-aligned grants to fund private vertiport development at iconic tourist destinations, such as Devil’s Tower, to reduce seasonal surface traffic.
• Sovereignty and Monitoring: Recent 2026 legislation (HB 0012) provides $500,000 to the Department of Environmental Quality to monitor state airspace, ensuring that emerging aviation technologies comply with state health and safety standards.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Wyoming is marketing its low-complexity, high-altitude airspace as a premier testing ground for regional air mobility.

• UAS Monitoring Pilots: Through the SMART Grant program, WYDOT is piloting UAS-enabled hazard monitoring along its mountainous passes, a digital data-gathering exercise that will eventually support autonomous cargo corridors.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• WYDOT Aeronautics Division: dot.state.wy.us/home/aeronautics
• Wyoming NEVI Plan Updates: dot.state.wy.us/nevi-updates