Colorado Gov. Ritter's FY10-11 Transportation Budget Up 6%

Nov. 2, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today submitted a $1.03 billion Fiscal Year 2010-11 transportation budget proposal to the legislature's Joint Budget Committee, a 6 percent increase from this year's $973.5 million.

Colorado's new FASTER law is fueling the much-needed increase, generating an estimated $160.6 million for the state's FY10-11 budget for bridge and roadway repair and safety work. An additional $61.1 million will go directly to local agencies from FASTER. Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs and Rep. Joe Rice, FASTER (Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery) also will save and create thousands of jobs statewide.

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"As we all know, federal and state transportation revenue has been declining for years, while at the same time transportation demands and construction costs have been increasing," Gov. Ritter said. "Our system of bridges, highways and roadways is rapidly deteriorating and becoming a greater and greater safety concern.

"But we lack sufficient revenue to maintain the system we¿ve got. And we certainly don't have anywhere near enough to create the modern, 21st century system we need because Colorado has not established secure, reliable or sustainable new funding for transportation in almost two decades.

"Thanks to FASTER, we're going to stop the rapid deterioration of our transportation system and create a framework that leads to a modern transportation system that's good for our communities, our economy and our citizens. This is first and foremost about public safety -- about moving Colorado forward and ensuring our bridges and roads are safe for the people who live, work and travel in Colorado."

About half of Colorado's roadways and 128 bridges are in poor condition. About 115 bridges are 75 years old or older.

"We're solving difficult problems at a time when Colorado needs strong leadership the most. We're working for average families by creating jobs, keeping our roads and bridges safe, and providing a dedicated stream of funding for transportation, which we haven't been able to do in recent years-- until now. FASTER came at the right time," said Senate President Brandon Shaffer.

"After decades of inaction, today we have action," House Speaker Terrance Carroll said. "FASTER means shovels in the ground and an economic shot in the arm. The people of Colorado want us to make the tough decisions that lead to more jobs, a balanced budget and a strong economy. We're doing just that."

"When Colorado taxpayers own 128 structurally deficient bridges in poor condition, when half of Colorado's public roads are in poor condition and when 20 percent of Colorado's public roads require complete reconstruction, the Governor and General Assembly had little choice but to act to preserve safety," said Tony Milo, executive director of the Colorado Contractors Association.

Work is scheduled to begin this spring on the first FASTER bridges.

Source: Colorado Governor