Date: 01/26/2006
Final
Colorado Department of Trasnportation Briefing
COMMITTEE ON JOINT TRANSPORTATION
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10:35 AM --- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) employees Peggy Catlin, Deputy Director; Greg Mcknight, Transportation Commission Chair; Heather Cop, Chief Financial Officer; and Craig Siracusa, Chief Engineer introduced themselves to the committee members. Ms. Catlin distributed a handout of the presentation entitled CDOT Presentation to the Joint House and Senate Transportation Committee (Attachment B). Also distributed was a handout entitled Joint House and Senate Transportation Committee Questions NOT Already Addressed in CDOT's Power Point Presentation(Attachment C).
10:39 AM
Tom Norton, Executive Director, CDOT, came to the table and continued the power point presentation (Attachment B). Mr. Norton discussed the Colorado transportation planning structure and indicated that corridors from the regional/statewide plan are prioritized in a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP identifies priority projects to be funded for three to six years. Changes in short-term revenue and priorities significantly impact the STIP.
10:47 AM
Heather Cop, Chief Financial Officer, CDOT, explained the estimated FY 2005-06 financing system and distribution by investment categories (Attachment B, page 7). Mr. Norton stated that projects must go through the planning process to determine how much money is given to each project. He stated that the gas tax is decreasing and that money goes toward cities and county projects. Mr. Norton also explained to committee members that 21.6 percent of money goes into transit.
11:01 AM
Ms. Cop responded to questions regarding federal funding and explained the federal government contributes to the money in the Highway Users Tax Fund. Ms. Cop indicated that congestion relief is not included in the handout and the handout only represents the major distributions.
11:06 AM
Mr. Norton responded to additional questions and stated that the strategic projects use the funding stream which results in less money for other projects. He also stated that some of the strategic projects will provide congestion relief. Mr. Norton stated that the Colorado Tolling Enterprise is a project that the Transportation Commission came up with to relieve congestion. Further discussion ensued regarding whether toll roads relieve congestion.
11:16 AM
Craig Siracusa, Chief Engineer, reviewed CDOT's goals and objectives which include:
- 60 percent of State Highways rated good or fair;
- eliminate backlog or structurally deficient bridges;
- maintain operational capacity of highway systems;
- finish the 7th pot; and
- reduce accident and injury rates.
11:21 AM
Mr. Norton explained CDOT's FY 2005-06 funding enhancements (Attachment B, pages 15 through 18).
11:26 AM
Mr. Norton explained the legislative agenda for CDOT (Attachment B, page 19). The following legislative issues are included in CDOT's agenda:
- maintain and strengthen Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1310 funding sources;
- support $80 million in 2005-06 supplemental, Referendum C, funds;
- protect the HUTF, limit off-the-top distributions;
- dedicate funds for State Highway improvements;
- obtain federal incentive funds through primary seat belt law; and
- enactment of the on-premise sign bill.
11:28 AM
Mr. Norton reviewed the answers to questions included on the handout entitled Joint House and Senate Transportation Committee Questions NOT Already Addressed in CDOT's Power Point Presentation (Attachment C). Specifically, he responded to question number 8 (page 3, Attachment C) and stated that there has been a misinterpretation regarding closing an exit. He explained that CDOT may change an exit for public safety reasons as well as commercial needs. Mr. Siracusa responded to questions and indicated that all interchange modifications go through preliminary review. Mr. Norton also stated that there is an ability under federal law to take into consideration how intrusion would impact a business.
11:38 AM
The CDOT panel answered additional questions from committee members.
12:05 PM
Mr. Norton made closing comments and stated that the Transportation Commission is very concerned about integrated transportation for all modes and all types of travel but not without the desire and considerable confirmation to make it work.
12:06 PM
The committee adjourned.