{"id":16488,"date":"2017-03-13T14:56:02","date_gmt":"2017-03-13T14:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/?p=16488"},"modified":"2017-03-13T14:56:02","modified_gmt":"2017-03-13T14:56:02","slug":"proposed-state-transportation-funding-step-right-direction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vailvalleypartnership.com\/2017\/03\/proposed-state-transportation-funding-step-right-direction\/","title":{"rendered":"Proposed state transportation funding a step in the right direction"},"content":{"rendered":"

House Bill 17-1242 introduced
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One of Colorado\u2019s most vexing issues is fixing Colorado\u2019s 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 of special interest to us in the Vail Valley, Interstate 70.<\/p>\n

The Vail Valley is a global destination, and the broader I-70 corridor continues to get harder and harder to access for those who recreate on the weekends, destination visitors accessing our communities from out-of-state, businesses reliant on freight to export their goods, and local residents. Colorado\u2019s mountain corridor is vital to the economic health of the state, and our state and local economy is at risk without major improvements. As Vail Mayor Dave Chapin recently stated, \u201ctransportation is an issue that directly correlates to our state\u2019s economic health and ability to compete.\u201d<\/p>\n

Currently, funding for Colorado\u2019s transportation improvements comes from the federal gasoline tax. This is a diminishing source of revenue provided the growing automotive fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the gas tax – $.22 per gallon –\u00a0 does not increase annually with inflation and has not been increased since 1991. At the same time, cars have become more fuel efficient which has created a declining collection of revenues and has contributed to the Colorado Department of Transportation\u2019s $9 billion list of needs for transportation infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Colorado Department of Transportation executive director Shailen Bhatt was recently quoted in 5280 Magazine saying \u201chere in Colorado, people see the need for transportation funding investment. It\u2019s the how <\/em>that gets very tricky.\u201d Expanding on Mr. Bhatt\u2019s comment, transportation funding is not a Republican or Democratic issue; it\u2019s a Colorado issue.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, legislative leaders heeded our collective call for action last week with the introduction of the bi-partisan measure, House Bill 17-1242, to address Colorado\u2019s transportation challenges. The introduction of this bill is the culmination, and next significant turn, in a long and twisting road.<\/p>\n

The proposal has critical implications for our communities and regions throughout Colorado; the foundation of the measure is the $3.5B bonding package funding CDOT priority projects statewide. It also provides additional funding for local projects as well as transit\/mobility projects.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, HB 1242:<\/p>\n