Faced with lower than anticipated revenue projections for the current fiscal year and next, various cuts to the state budget were proposed by Governor John Hickenlooper yesterday under budget balancing requirements.\u00a0 Transportation was among the items cut.<\/p>\n
Business leaders across Colorado expressed disappointment that Colorado\u2019s roads and infrastructure saw reductions after some progress was made last budget cycle.\u00a0 Leaders are calling for real solutions to restore transportation as a funding priority in Colorado to assure Colorado stays economically competitive while other states invest mightily in their infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cSadly, the announcement has us going the wrong way on the road to funding Colorado\u2019s congested and crumbling roads and bridges,\u201d said Sandra Hagen Solin of the Coalition to Fix Colorado Roads a coalition of Chambers of Commerce, business organizations, and local government leaders. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cColorado\u2019s business leaders have been driving toward a transportation solution for the past two years and we are prepared to work with the Governor and both parties in the Legislature to enact a strong, pro-economy, pro-jobs solution for Colorado.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reductions further amplify the critical need for a meaningful investment in our transportation system today and into the future,\u201d said Chris Romer, President of the Vail Valley Partnership.\u00a0 \u201cThe time is now.\u00a0 Tourist destinations become less attractive because it is a growing challenge to get there and back in a reasonable time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cColorado\u2019s economic competitiveness with states like Utah, Texas and California is threatened by our significant transportation challenges.\u00a0 We are excited to join our fellow leaders across the state to press the Governor and the Colorado General Assembly for a real commitment to Colorado with practical and realistic transportation funding and finance solutions,\u201d noted Jeff Wasden, head of the Colorado Business Roundtable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe burden on our infrastructure continues to expand. Travel times are increasing. The ability to engage in commerce becomes more challenging by the year,\u201d said Dirk Draper, CEO of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance.\u00a0 \u201cA solution must be delivered by our state leaders in the 2017 Legislative Session.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"