CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A $290 million modernization of the entire length of Interstate 80 in Wyoming is the most-needed project for future economic development, according to a new report.

The suggested upgrade would include construction of variable-speed lanes and truck climbing lanes.

“Wyoming’s transportation system is the backbone of the state’s economy,” said Frank Moretti of TRIP, the Washington, D.C.-based national nonprofit transportation research organization that compiled the report.

The report, released Wednesday during a media conference, identified 25 projects in the state to provide Wyoming with a transportation system that can support the increased movement of people, goods and natural resources and enhance economic development.

The document, Moretti said, provides a blueprint of the status of the state’s future transportation needs.

Martin Kidner, state planning engineer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said during the media conference that the money received by the agency is being spent to preserve existing roads rather than to prepare for future growth.