Final
Transportation Infrastructure & Econ. Development
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Votes:
Action Taken:
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09:12 AM -- Transportation Infrastructure and Economic Development, Mr. Doug Aden, Vice-Chair, Colorado Transportation Commission
Representative Borodkin, Chair, called the meeting to order. Committee members present were Representatives Massey and Lindstrom. Senators Bacon and Evans arrived later. Mr. Jason Schrock from Legislative Council Staff, and Ms. Nicole Hoffman and Mr. Ed DeCecco from the Office of Legislative Legal Services were also present. Representative Borodkin stated that the November 2 meeting will be devoted to discussing committee legislation and recommendations.
Mr. Doug Aden, Vice-Chair, Colorado Transportation Commission, discussed the economic impacts and importance of transportation infrastructure. A copy of his presentation was distributed to the committee (Attachment A). According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO), every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure creates 40,000 jobs. He noted the importance of good transportation infrastructure to business location decisions. He also discussed the growth of transportation in the state and stated that the necessary growth in transportation infrastructure cannot be sustained at current funding levels. Vehicle travel on state highways is expected to grow by 67 percent by 2030, while freight transportation is expected to double by 2030. He commented on the need for better cooperation among governments and businesses on development plans. He also noted that, by 2030, 25 percent of state highway lane miles will experience congestion, 68 percent of state highways will be in poor condition, and 20 percent of bridges will be in poor condition.
Mr. Aden continued by discussing the importance of transportation to commerce and commented on the need for better north/south and east/west routes. He explained the importance of I-70 to the tourism industry in Colorado. By 2025, a weekend trip from Denver to Vail will take 4 hours. If the corridor is not improved, the tourism industry and commerce will suffer. He also commented on the importance of the ability to move freight in and out of Colorado and efforts to enhance the mobility of freight. The Ports to Plains Trade Route and the Heartland Expressway in eastern Colorado have been designated by the federal government as high priority corridors in anticipation of an increase in freight traffic. He discussed efforts to look at widening these corridors. He concluded by discussing the need for cooperation among governments to solve transportation issues. Local governments approve developments, but the state is charged with maintaining the highways that support the developments.
Representative Borodkin discussed jobs in the transportation industry with Mr. Aden. Mr. Aden commented on the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) jobs and outreach programs.
09:33 AM
Representative Lindstrom discussed his involvement with the transportation needs of the I-70 corridor and commended CDOT's efforts to involve people who live along the corridor. He thought that the state needed to consider transit along the corridor. He discussed how some travelers avoid driving through Colorado because of traffic congestion and explained that the state should look at additional north/south and east/west corridors through the state, including rail corridors. Economic development, tourism, and commerce are being impacted by congestion. Also, alternatives to transportation fueled by fossil fuels are needed.
Representative Borodkin commented on the need to have people on the tourism board from the transportation industry. Mr. Aden discussed a study conducted of I-70 alternatives. There is a range of options available to relieve congestion, but a lack of funding is the largest impediment to a solution. He explained that the lack of funding for all transportation is the state's largest transportation problem. The state's transportation planning process is adequate.
Ms. Carla Perez, advisory board member, commended CDOT on the job it is able to do given its lack of resources. She inquired about the impact of high gas prices. Mr. Aden indicated that the Highway Users Tax Fund has been growing slowly over the past several years and that the fund does not provide enough revenue for the state's transportation needs; high gas prices will likely slow Highway Users Tax Fund revenue further.