January 11, 2018<\/p>\n
Dear Mr. President, Madame Speaker, and members of the General Assembly:<\/p>\n
For the last three years, funding and financing of state transportation infrastructure has been stalled in legislative debate primarily around the issue of the sources of revenue.<\/p>\n
Now there is an opportunity<\/strong> for common ground.<\/p>\n With Colorado\u2019s economic prosperity and an unexpected windfall from recently passed federal tax reform, there is nearly one billion dollars<\/strong> of new un-programmed revenues.<\/p>\n As business leaders from throughout Colorado, we implore you to seize this opportunity and use a significant portion \u2013 no less than $300M<\/strong> \u2013 of these new funds as a major foundation to solve our growing transportation crisis. \u00a0An ongoing, multi-year commitment<\/strong> of General Fund dollars is essential to create the modern-day infrastructure needed to keep our economy thriving.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s call for $148.2M of the new revenues for transportation is an important and greatly appreciated start, but with over ten billion dollars<\/strong> in transportation needs, let\u2019s build upon it.<\/p>\n Why is this important?<\/p>\n Growth<\/strong> and economic prosperity are a double edge sword.\u00a0 We laud the significant economic gains and the recognition for being one of the strongest state economies in the country.\u00a0 But, frustration with growth is increasing in large part because our transportation infrastructure isn\u2019t keeping pace.<\/p>\n And then there are counties and towns in Colorado that are struggling economically. While they may not have the growth pressures of some urban areas, they have important transportation projects that need attention.<\/p>\n Coloradans know state revenues are increasing, and they expect state leaders to invest some of those dollars in transportation infrastructure.<\/p>\n Additionally, it may be to our advantage to make a more substantial investment in transportation as the federal government considers an infrastructure bill that favors states and communities that are able to commit their own resources. Currently, Colorado\u2019s low level of transportation funding puts it at a disadvantage.<\/p>\n We are eager to work with you to find the common ground that has thus far eluded us.\u00a0 We are asking you to make an investment in Colorado\u2019s future by committing a significant share of the new revenue to transportation.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Dirk Draper, CEO and President Carl Maxey, Chairman Mike Kopp, President and CEO Greg Fulton, President Chris Romer, President and CEO David May, President and CEO Robert Golden, President and CEO Mindy McCloughan, President and CEO Sarah MacQuiddy, President Rich Werner, President and CEO Andy Montgomery, CEO Jack Llewellyn, Executive Director Kara Stoller, CEO Angie Anderson, President & CEO Shelly McManus, Executive Director Melanie Swearengin, Executive Director Debbie Miller, President Dave Davia, Executive Vice President and CEO Jeff Wasden, President Deanne Mulvihill, Executive Director
\nColorado Springs Chamber and EDC<\/p>\n
\nNorthern Colorado Legislative Alliance<\/p>\n
\nColorado Concern<\/p>\n
\nColorado Motor Carriers Association<\/p>\n
\nVail Valley Partnership<\/p>\n
\nFort Collins Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nSouth Metro Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nLoveland Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nGreeley Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nUpstate Colorado Economic Development<\/p>\n
\nNorthern Colorado Economic Alliance<\/p>\n
\nDurango Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nSteamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association<\/p>\n
\nGlenwood Chamber Resort Association<\/p>\n
\nKremmling Area Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nConifer Area Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nGreater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n
\nColorado Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors<\/p>\n
\nColorado Business Roundtable<\/p>\n
\nBerthoud Area Chamber of Commerce<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"