JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Lawmakers Praise CDOT Effort to Improve Transit Infrastructure, Address Climate Change, and Increase Equity in Transportation

SB 260 Sponsors: “By providing safe and accessible alternatives to driving, we can provide a wider range of sustainable options for Coloradans to get where they need to go, which is paramount to long-term congestion reduction and to achieving our state climate goals.”

DENVER, CO – Colorado lawmakers today applauded efforts by the Colorado Transportation Commission to improve long standing inequalities in transportation infrastructure and air quality and meet the goals set forth in SB21-260.

In a letter to the Commission,​​ Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder), Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster), House Speaker Alec Garnett (D-Denver) and Representative Matt Gray (D-Broomfield) – prime sponsors of SB21-260 – wrote that “by providing safe and accessible alternatives to driving, we can provide a wider range of sustainable options for Coloradans to get where they need to go, which is paramount to long-term congestion reduction and to achieving our state climate goals.”

“A solid transit system is key to a functioning economy, but Colorado has neglected our transit infrastructure for far too long,” said Sen. Faith Winter. “The Transportation Commission and CDOT have worked overtime to gather public input and create a draft rule that meets our growing transit needs while also addressing the climate emergency. I look forward to a final rule that will make significant improvements to our transportation system, cut down on traffic and pollution, and make it easier for all Coloradans to get where they need to go.”

“The transportation law we passed is moving Colorado forward, saving people money on their registration fees and helping our state make progress on our climate and clean air goals,” said Rep. Matt Gray. “I’m excited that Coloradans will soon have more transportation options, safer roads, and will spend less time in traffic and less money on vehicle repairs. I look forward to a rule that forges a more equitable transportation system, lowers pollution, and helps our economy grow.”

The letter highlights the importance of advancing equity in Colorado’s transportation system with the new rule and in future transit planning. “We appreciate changes to the rule that enhance its focus on equity and look forward to ensuring full implementation of the requirement in SB260 that CDOT establish a new branch focused on equity,” the bill sponsors wrote. “As soon as its leadership is hired, this office should immediately begin developing an equity framework to complement this rulemaking.”

SB21-260, signed into law last June, is a historic, bipartisan investment in Colorado’s infrastructure to comprehensively address Colorado’s crumbling and outdated transportation system by establishing a sustainable funding source to improve Colorado’s roads, invest in the future of EV charging infrastructure, and expand multi-modal transit options to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The landmark law provides $5.365 billion in transportation funding to create jobs, fix Colorado’s roads and bridges, increase transit options, meet Colorado’s climate goals, and future-proof the state’s transportation system. The funding comes from a balanced and responsible mix of state, federal, and fee revenue that reflects all the users and uses of our transportation system.

Full text of the letter is available HERE.