Date: 09/23/2015
Final
Briefing from the San Luis Valley Transportation Planning Region
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
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02:10 PM -- Briefing from the San Luis Valley Transportation Planning Region
George Wilkerson, Chairman of the SLV Transportation Planning Region (TPR), discussed various transportation projects in south central and southwestern Colorado, including those that have not received adequate funding to complete them. He spoke at length about the transportation needs of the area. He raised concerns about the condition of SH 50 and SH 285 and about the cost of deferred maintenance. Senator Baumgardner asked whether adding shoulders to state highways would be more beneficial than doing things like chip sealing or other patching measures. Ms. Neet commented that Region 5 really only has adequate funding to maintain the roads and that funding does not exist to build out the roads and to add shoulders. Mr. Wilkerson continued to talk about the transportation needs of the SLV.
02:20 PM
Senator Crowder asked if federal funding for roads has decreased in recent years. Mr. Wilkerson continued to express concerns about roads in rural Colorado. Senator Scott asked for Mr. Wilkerson's opinion regarding the future of transportation funding for the area. Mr. Bhatt discussed the Governor's plan to divert hospital provider fee funding to roads.