Applaud Commitment to Transportation Funding and Finance and to Fixing Colorado Roads
DENVER—Jan. 12— Today, following Gov. John Hickenlooper’s annual State of the State Address, Mayors representing the congested north and south I-25 and I-70 mountain corridors commended the Governor for addressing one of the state’s most vexing issues—fixing Colorado’s roads by finding reliable funding sources for transportation. This is fundamental to accelerate critical transportation projects throughout the state, including the expansion of I-25 and I-70.
The need for reliable transportation funding sources is supported by data. State demographers estimate that Colorado’s population will soar to 7.8 million by 2040, an increase of 2.3 million from 2015. This boom in population is outstripping the capacity of our existing roads and bridges, thus significantly increasing travel times while decreasing Coloradans’ quality of life.
Currently, funding for Colorado’s transportation improvements comes from the federal gasoline tax. This is a diminishing source of revenue provided the growing automotive fuel efficiency. Prior to 2009, Colorado dedicated up to 11 percent of its sales and use tax revenues from the state General Fund to fund transportation. Today, the state General Fund (controlled by state lawmakers) provides no dedicated funds to roads and bridges.
That’s why Mayors from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Vail are part of the statewide, broad-based Fix Colorado Roads coalition. Fix Colorado Roads is comprised of business leaders and local government officials across Colorado dedicated to finding a permanent and reliable fund for transportation projects and improvements. The organization and its members are dedicated to working with lawmakers this legislative session to ensure the topic does not go unresolved.
Following are statements from Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, Fort Collins Mayor Wade Troxell and Vail Mayor Dave Chapin:
“The free flow of commerce and alleviation of congestion between Denver and Colorado Springs on I-25 is essential to our citizen’s safety, quality of life and economic well-being. The time to act is now. Our challenge is shared by our friends in northern Colorado, along the I-70 Mountain corridor, and every part of our state. We stand with these leaders to find a statewide transportation funding and finance solution. I commend our policymakers and the Governor, in working collaboratively to find a sustainable solution. They have my support.”
—Mayor John Suthers, Colorado Springs
“Interstate 25 is vital to economic prosperity in Northern Colorado. It’s also a source of increasing tension and stress for our region’s commuters. While congestion along North I-25 frustrates drivers, the loss in revenue to our local businesses is very real. With anticipated population growth, the issue will only get worse. We cannot sit back and wait. I am encouraged by the Governor’s call to action today; he has the support of the people of Northern Colorado in working toward a 2017 solution.”
—Mayor Wade Troxell, Fort Collins
“Vail is a global destination. Unfortunately, the destination including the broader I-70 corridor, is getting harder to access for those who use our scenic mountains to recreate on the weekends to those who enjoy our beautiful communities from around the country and the world. Without major improvements to the I-70 Mountain corridor, our state’s economic livelihood is threatened. I’m pleased to hear Governor Hickenlooper address transportation as an issue that directly correlates to our state’s economic health and ability to compete.”
—Mayor Dave Chapin, Vail
“Fix Colorado Roads applauds the Governor in addressing our transportation system and challenges. Today’s remarks prove that the chorus urging action to fix our roads and bridges is loud and growing among Republicans, Democrats and the office of the Governor. Inaction on this issue is not permissible. In the following months, Fix Colorado Roads’ leaders will be working with legislative leaders and Governor Hickenlooper to find a solution that is right for our state and something that voters can get behind.”
–Sandra Hagen Solin, Fix Colorado Roads
*Sandra Hagen Solin of Fix Colorado Roads is available for interview requests. Contact Monica McCafferty at monica.mccafferty@rrpartners.com or 303.903.3394.