Fix Colorado Roads comments on new transportation funding deal

The following is a statement from Sandra Hagen Solin, spokesperson for Fix Colorado Roads, regarding today’s announcement of a new transportation funding deal:

“Thank you, Senate Leaders Fenberg and Holbert, as well as Joint Budget Committee members Senators Moreno and Zenzinger, for your tremendous will and leadership to direct more meaningful funds to our transportation funding crisis. While much work remains, your bi-partisan effort to seize the unique opportunity provided by Colorado’s robust economy is a credit to the persistence of your leadership and commitment to making transportation a funding priority.”

- Sandra Hagen Solin, Fix Colorado Roads

Fix Colorado Roads Comments on the March 15 Revenue Forecast

The following is a statement from Sandra Hagen Solin, spokesperson for Fix Colorado Roads, regarding today’s Revenue Forecast to the Joint Budget Committee:

“Colorado’s economy continues to thrive and it is imperative that the Joint Budget Committee, Governor and all legislators invest a portion of the growth in our economy in our infrastructure. Whether they are driving on crumbling sections of Highway 96 in Kiowa County, in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-25 near Fort Collins, or stuck on a gridlocked I-70 trying to get home from the mountains on a Sunday evening, Coloradans have had enough and expect action from this legislature.

“By dedicating a portion of the new general fund revenue reported today and creatively developing new funding methods that effectively modernize the way we fund transportation, the legislature must take bold steps to address Colorado’s growing transportation crisis. Failure to act is no longer an option. If not now, when?”

–Sandra Hagen Solin, Fix Colorado Roads

Letter to the 2019 General Assembly

Dear Members of the Joint Budget Committee and the Colorado General Assembly,

As Chamber and economic development leaders in Colorado, we are in the business of making our local communities and economies thrive. Thriving and sustainable communities and economies – whether local or statewide - are built on a number of factors. Strong schools, a healthy environment and a transportation system that effectively and efficiently moves people and goods are these critical factors.

Thanks to Colorado’s robust economy, economic reports indicate that, for the second consecutive year, over $1 billion in new revenue will be available for base budgeting during the 2019 Legislative Session. These are not “one-time” funds but, rather, dollars that will carry over year after year and further build as the economy grows.

There are many important funding priorities. The Governor’s recent budget request outlined his priorities. To support a sustained and thriving Colorado economy, it is imperative that funding Colorado’s transportation infrastructure be among your top funding priorities this year. With the funds available, the good news is that investment in transportation doesn’t need to come at the expense of other priorities.

Additionally, finding new, long term, and dedicated funding sources – sources that are politically and financially viable -- is the other half of the funding equation for transportation. As conversations unfold about accelerating future transportation modes, it’s imperative that we look to the future and modernize our funding approaches by creating equitable and mixed methodologies to adequately address the enormity of our transportation funding shortfall. Further, to deliver and accelerate large scale and regionally significant transportation projects across the state, leveraging funds through any and all available finance tools is smart and prudent. 

As demonstrated by their support of local bond and tax questions, voters appreciate the value of leveraging identified funds to maximize the ability to deliver projects cost effectively and expeditiously.

Finally, any proposal for transportation funding and finance needs to be specific about what transportation projects will be built. Voters expressed an unwillingness during the last election to go big to fund generic transportation needs but they have, time and again, shown they are willing to fund specific projects that have direct benefit to them.

Voters also have demonstrated their appreciation for bold vision, so we should not shy from tackling our greatest transportation challenges or offering innovative solutions.

Failure to address the challenge before us is no longer an option. The cost of projects will continue to rise, travel times will increase, and tourist and recreation destinations will become less attractive. Further, the ability to engage in commerce will become more challenging and economic opportunities will be lost as businesses choose to relocate to other states that invest in their infrastructure.

Ultimately, a failing economy due to a lack of investment in infrastructure will erode economic gains that fund our schools and the other budget priorities we all care about.

To assure a sustained and thriving Colorado economy, we look forward to working with you to find a meaningful, long-term solution to our transportation challenge.

Sincerely,

Carol Salter, Chair of the Board - Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance

Rod Slyhoff, President and CEO - Pueblo Chamber of Commerce

David May, President and CEO - Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Kevin Hougen, President and CEO - Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Chris Romer, President and CEO - Vail Valley Partnership

Angie Anderson, President and CEO - Glenwood Springs Chamber

Mindy McCloughan, President and CEO - Loveland Chamber of Commerce

Kami Welch, President - Arvada Chamber of Commerce

Sarah MacQuiddy, President and CEO - Greeley Chamber of Commerce

Diane Schwenke, President and CEO - Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce

Kelly Brough, President and CEO - Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

Robert Golden, President and CEO - South Metro Chamber of Commerce

Juliet Abdel, President and CEO - Westminster Chamber of Commerce

Rich Werner, President and CEO - Upstate Colorado Economic Development

John Tayer, President and CEO - Boulder Chamber of Commerce

Sam Taylor, President/CEO - Broomfield Chamber of Commerce

Kristi Pollard, President and CEO - Jefferson County EDC

Board of Directors - Northwest Chamber Alliance

Scott Cook, CEO - Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors - Northern Colorado Economic Alliance

Jose Beteta, Executive Director - The Latino Chamber of Commerce

T.J. Sullivan, Executive Director - Superior Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors - Douglas County Business Alliance

Pam Riddler, President and CEO - Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Dennis Houston, CEO - Parker Chamber of Commerce

Amy Sherman, President and CEO - Northwest Douglas County EDC

Andrea LaRew, President -The Chamber of Northwest Douglas County