CHEYENNE - Money for infrastructure for housing will be his top priority when the Legislature convenes in January, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said Tuesday.

That means dollars for sewers, gutters, water systems and roads, the governor said during his weekly news conference.

The private sector can build the houses, he said.

A need for more housing is one of the biggest issues facing a number of communities in Wyoming.

Freudenthal, who is running for a second term against Republican challenger Ray Hunkins, pointed out the State Loan and Investment Board last week allocated all $105 million appropriated by the Legislature earlier this year to help eight counties coping with growth from intense energy development.

The state board includes the governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer and state superintendent of public instruction.

Freudenthal said it is not unrealistic to request the same amount from the Legislature next year, assuming mineral revenues continue to pour into the state.

He launched into a recital of the state's infrastructure needs when asked about a call for an increase in the minimum wage at the state level.

"I am not a big advocate on the minimum wage issue at this stage," Freudenthal said. "Right now the real problem in Wyoming is finding people to work."

He noted signs around the state offering jobs $8 to $10 per hour to start.

The emphasis in Wyoming, he said, now needs to be on locating and creating work force training programs. These programs can give workers skills so they can command more money. That approach, he said, is more important than the minimum wage, which is mired in the national political year debate.

"One of my frustrations this summer is we should already be under way building a (work force) training facility in Gillette," the governor said.

Affordable housing is another need to attract workers, he said. Housing prices are high now because houses are in short supply in growth areas.

Freudenthal said he has been impressed with the number of legislators who emphasized the need for housing infrastructure in their statements as candidates.

Because the Legislature was generous last winter, the governor said, he expects competing demands for state funding will be diminished next year.

As for his campaign for re-election, Freudenthal said he has committed to two debates with Hunkins and may be able to fit in a third one.

Hunkins has asked for seven debates.

Freudenthal said people don't begin to pay attention to the election until October, when the debates will be held.

"Frankly, three is enough," he said.

Capital bureau reporter Joan Barron can be reached at (307) 632-1244 or at joan.barron@casperstartribune.net.