Dive Brief:
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation May 16 that establishes state funding to help expand public transportation and bring passenger rail to the area known as the Front Range, in conjunction with federal infrastructure dollars.
- The law sets a $3 per day user fee on rental vehicles, indexed to inflation, and requires state transportation planning to include rail projects and multimodal transportation options. The state intends to use the fees toward matching requirements for federal funds.
- “This landmark legislation brought together the oil and gas industry and environmental advocates to protect our air quality while making historic investments in public transportation,” said Gov. Polis at a signing ceremony at Denver Union Station.
Dive Insight:
Colorado’s Front Range, which includes Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Trinidad, is expected to see a 35% population growth from 2020 to 2045, according to the state’s transportation department. Passenger rail linking these communities along a 173-mile corridor has been a focus of state legislators since 2017. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Front Range passenger rail would provide a new travel option and help relieve traffic congestion along Interstate 25.
As a first phase of the Front Range rail plan, the Denver metro-area Regional Transportation District is authorized by the legislation to extend its rail line north to Fort Collins. “This law will build on existing transit systems and expand transit partnership opportunities to ensure we’re providing transportation services that work for the needs of our communities,” state Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, of Fort Collins, said in a statement.
The law also requires the Front Range Passenger Rail District, established by the state in 2022, to deliver to the legislature and governor a development plan for the full corridor by the end of this year and an implementation plan for the construction and operation of the first phase by 2029.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a statement: “It’s clear Colorado needs and wants more passenger rail service. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership and the strong legislative and public support, this legislation will enable us to work together to bring frequent, reliable and sustainable passenger service to the Front Range.”
