Wyoming troopers to return from North Dakota protests

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – State Highway Patrol troopers who have been working in North Dakota during the protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline will be returning to Wyoming.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports North Dakota will reimburse Wyoming for personnel costs related to the six troopers, who have been away since Oct. 22 and will return Tuesday.

The protests are over the $3.8 billion pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois, which the Standing Rock Sioux believes will threaten its drinking water and cultural sites.

Gov. Matt Mead says Wyoming hasn't taken a stance on the pipeline, and that the decision to send troopers was a response to request for aid.

Other agencies represented at the protests include the Nebraska and Ohio highway patrols and local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

___

Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com