Date: 09/23/2015
Final
Briefing from CDOT Region 5
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
01:22 PM -- Briefing from CDOT Region 5
Kerrie Neet, Regional Transportation Director, CDOT Region 5, introduced herself and spoke about the transportation infrastructure in Region 5, which includes the counties of Alamosa, Archuleta, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose (approximately 50 percent), Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, and San Miguel. She discussed the importance of state highways in south central Colorado. She commented that there is no reliable, moderately priced air service in south central and southwestern Colorado. She discussed the unique physical and economic features of the San Luis Valley (SLV), which is roughly the size of Connecticut. She commented about SLV transportation planning.
01:29 PM
According to Ms. Neet, key issues that affect transportation in the SLV are agriculture and tourism. The agriculture industry employs approximately one-third of the SLV population. Potatoes, hay, and barley are the most prevalent crops. The Great Sand Dunes Monument and the Arkansas River both drive tourism. Ms. Neet moved on to a discussion of transportation needs in the SLV. These include rural congestion involving recreational and agricultural vehicles that occurs on two-lane mountain roads. This type of congestion often leads to dangerous conditions. Ms. Neet spoke to transportation asset management involving preventative maintenance like chip sealing. She responded to questions from Senator Baumgardner about the durability of chip sealing.
01:36 PM
Ms. Neet discussed the difficulties in keeping high mountain roads open in the winter. Winter driving conditions increase the danger of fatal accidents. Passing lanes can alleviate congestion and driver frustration, both of which also increase the danger of accidents. Ms. Neet spoke about the integration of the highway with the "main street" concept. This integration involves putting buffers between the street and parking spots, as well as adding bicycle lanes. Senator Crowder praised the efforts of CDOT to create new passing lanes in the area. He asked about plans for new passing lanes. Ms. Neet commented about studies CDOT has completed regarding the safety of State Highway (SH) 285 south of Alamosa.
01:44 PM
Representative Moreno asked about the lifepan of a road. Ms. Neet and Mr. Bhatt discussed the variables that affect the lifespan. Senator Crowder and Ms. Neet talked about widening SH 17 north of Alamosa. Representative Tyler asked for information about community desire for bicycle paths in the SLV. Mr. Bhatt discussed funding mechanisms for bicycle paths and commented about local involvement in the planning process. Senator Baumgardner asked for more information about Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) money and federal pass-through funding. Mr. Bhatt spoke about FASTER money and new construction. Senator Baumgardner expressed his opinion that transportation funding should be better targeted to the needs of the state.
01:53 PM
Mr. Bhatt commented about the best use for available funding and about the decisions made by the state transportation commission. Ms. Neet discussed the trend toward narrowing existing lanes in order to increase safety. The space gained could be used for bicycle lanes. Representative Mitsch Bush discussed her experience with transportation planning efforts and talked about various funding sources for transportation projects, including the Regional Priority Program (RPP) fund and Transportation Commission (TC) Contingency fund. Committee discussion with Mr. Bhatt on this issue ensued.
02:03 PM
Representative Coram discussed the safety problems associated with bicyclists on roads with no shoulders. Mr. Bhatt expressed his support for the creation of a dedicated revenue stream connected to bicycling that could be used for road improvements. Senator Crowder asked whether the TC contingency money could be dedicated to a grant program for counties to make up the 30 percent local share for Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grants for the creation of bicycle paths. Discussion ensued. Representative Moreno asked about local projects funding with FASTER money. Ms. Neet listed a number of such projects.