FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (11/16/16)
Contact: Sandra Hagen Solin – 303-810-1914
Faced with lower than anticipated revenue projections for the current fiscal year and next,
various cuts to the state budget were proposed by Governor John Hickenlooper yesterday
under budget balancing requirements. Transportation was among the items cut.
Business leaders across Colorado expressed disappointment that Colorado’s roads and
infrastructure saw reductions after some progress was made last budget cycle. Leaders are
calling for real solutions to restore transportation as a funding priority in Colorado to assure
Colorado stays economically competitive while other states invest mightily in their
infrastructure.
“Sadly, the announcement has us going the wrong way on the road to funding Colorado’s
congested and crumbling roads and bridges,” said Sandra Hagen Solin of the Coalition to Fix
Colorado Roads a coalition of Chambers of Commerce, business organizations, and local
government leaders. “Colorado’s business leaders have been driving toward a transportation
solution for the past two years and we are prepared to work with the Governor and both
parties in the Legislature to enact a strong, pro-economy, pro-jobs solution for Colorado.”
“The reductions further amplify the critical need for a meaningful investment in our
transportation system today and into the future,” said Chris Romer, President of the Vail
Valley Partnership. “The time is now. Tourist destinations become less attractive because it
is a growing challenge to get there and back in a reasonable time.”
“Colorado’s economic competitiveness with states like Utah, Texas and California is
threatened by our significant transportation challenges. We are excited to join our fellow
leaders across the state to press the Governor and the Colorado General Assembly for a real
commitment to Colorado with practical and realistic transportation funding and finance
solutions,” noted Jeff Wasden, head of the Colorado Business Roundtable.
“The burden on our infrastructure continues to expand. Travel times are increasing. The
ability to engage in commerce becomes more challenging by the year,” said Dirk Draper, CEO
of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance. “A solution must be delivered by our state
leaders in the 2017 Legislative Session.”
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