Date: 08/10/2012
Final
Presentation by the Regional Transportation District
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
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09:43 AM -- Presentation by the Regional Transportation District
Senator Hudak, chair, called the meeting to order.
Mr. Lee Kemp, Chairman of the Regional Transport District (RTD) Board of Directors introduced Mr. Phillip Washington, General Manager and CEO of RTD, who provided testimony on ridership data, cost recoveries, revenues, and general overview of the RTD status (Attachment A). Mr. Washington also provided the plans for the future, including Union Station and FasTracks. The FasTracks overview included status updates on West Rail Line (93 percent complete), Denver Union Station (63 percent complete), the East Rail/ Gold Line (property acquisitions underway), the I-225 line (first segment construction underway) and the U.S. 36 Route (construction of express lanes underway).
09:54 AM
Representative Tyler queried about the leveling of the track to the street platforms on the West rail line, mainly concerning the Oak Street crossing. He expressed concern that snowplows may cross and damage the rail. Mr. Washington replied that the RTD is aware of the issue and is addressing it. According to Mr. Washington, this line will be fully open on April 26, 2013. Representative Tyler then queried about the quality of Call-and-Ride. Mr. Washington said that RTD has cut the original recommendation down and instead will keep fixed-route buses, leaving less Call-and-Ride service than was originally considered under the West line plan.
10:00 AM
Mr. Washington continued discussing the "Eagle P3" project, a multiple partner agreement to design-build-finance-operate-maintain the East rail line, Gold line, Northwest Electrified Segment (segment one of the Northwest rail line) and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility project under a single contract. Mr. Washington stated that it is a 34-year contract, with six years to design and build the segments and lines, and 28 years for operation and maintenance.
10:05 AM
Senator Hudak queried about the BNSF rail line, an existing privately owned rail line, and negotiations concerning the Northwest rail line. Mr. Washington said that the portion of line referred to by Senator Hudak is not owned by BNSF. The Northwest rail line after Westminster is not part of the Eagle P3 Plan. Representative Vaad asked about private equity interest and return on investment and where revenues would come from to pay back those lenders. Mr. Washington deferred the question to Mr. Terry Howerter, RTD CFO, who said this exposure will be paid by sales tax revenue.
10:15 AM
Mr. Washington elaborated on the Keiwit proposal concerning the I-225 project. He indicated that the proposal was recently accepted. Representative Tyler then asked about a potential one-mile connectivity project from the Five Points area of Denver to Denver International Airport (DIA), and whether it could be privately funded. Mr. Washington responded that private funding is a goal in planning this project. Senator Spence asked about the Keiwit proposal, and how internal estimates weigh against bids. The trend is that bids tend to be lower than internal estimates. Mr. Washington said that poor economic conditions can spur lower bids. Representative Ramirez queried about the current tax structure funding FasTracks and altering rail plans for the Northwest Line. Mr. Washington responded that RTD needs additional revenues.
10:28 AM
Representative Jones inquired about funding and taxes for the Northwest line. He expressed concern of an inequity in funding for tracks to the north. He commented that the bulk of the funding is going to lines other than the north. Mr. Washington responded that the question is at the direction of the RTD Board of Directors.
10:37 AM
Representative Jones directed RTD to "do the basics first," referring to the construction of the Northwest line. He asked that Mr. Washington convey this message to the RTD Board. Representative Ramirez echoed Representative Jones' comments. Senator Williams also commented in favor of the remarks of Representatives Ramirez and Jones.
10:45 AM
The committee took a brief recess.