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Home My WebLink AboutMemo - Mail Packet - 2/2/2016 - Memorandum From Darin Atteberry Re: Fix I-25 Materials From Fort Collins Area Chamber Of CommerceFunding to Widen North I-25 to 3 Lanes Each Way between Highways 14 & 66 Early 2016 Lobbying and Communications Plan Background Over the past two years local governments and business organizations in the two-county area have coalesced around the goal of securing funding to widen North I-25. The results so far include: • some funding secured for projects like an additional lane on southbound I-25 on the hill south of Berthoud and to widen the bridge decks at Crossroads to accommodate an additional lane in each direction; • identification of potential federal dollars including Colorado applying for Presidential Challenge Grant funds to widen 4 bridges (St. Vrain, Little Thompson, Big Thompson, Poudre) and TIFIA loan dollars available under the recently passed federal FAST Act; • and the elevation of North I-25 in particular, and transportation in general, as a priority with state leaders. Three groups are working on these issues. Relative to North I-25, there are two groups: the I-25 Coalition and the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance. The first group includes local elected officials from cities, towns and counties in Larimer and Weld counties. The second group is an initiative of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, a business group made up of the Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland Chambers of Commerce and Upstate Economic Development. The I-25 Coalition and Fix North I-25 work in close coordination while representing different constituents. The third group is Fix Colorado Roads. It is a burgeoning statewide alliance of business organizations. Its purpose is to secure a permanent source of funding for Colorado’s highways. From a Northern Colorado perspective, the creation of this group is positive in that funding for North I-25 will be secured in the context of helping Colorado address its overall transportation funding problem. 2016 Agenda In 2015 Fix North I-25 retained the services of a policy advisor / lobbyist and a public relations / media team in preparation for the 2016 session of the Colorado General Assembly. Over the summer and fall, dozens of conversations have taken place with CDOT officials, area legislators, legislative leaders in both parties, the Governor’s office and business associations around Colorado. The purpose was to understand and influence their views on transportation funding, particularly regarding the Legislature referring a measure to Colorado voters to renew the expiring TRANS bonds. As a result of that work, transportation funding legislation will be introduced during the 2016 Legislative Session. # # # 2016 Transportation Funding Options TRANS • $3.5 Billion in II.Bonding 2 (Fix for statewide Colorado projects Roads) • Fully fund I-25 North • Con�nue TRANS I Program in 2017 • 13% of state transporta�on budget • Fund annual bond payment through: • New revenue source approved by voters; OR • Combina�on of • Federal Gas Taxes • Oﬀset within SB 228 for opera�ons and maintenance • Other legisla�ve package items to ﬁll balance of funds necessary for bond payment • NCLA Posi�on: Support General 228 • Con�nue Modi�ications and Funds: protect SB 228 Transfers • Possible $900 M in 5 years • Protect from other interests stealing funding • NCLA Posi�on: Support • Allow full funding of SB 228 over 10 years • Be�er assure $900 M will be realized over 10 years • Current formula mechanism provides no guarantee of funding • NCLA Posi�on: Support General 228 • Extend Modi�ications SB Funds: 228 for 10 years (Continued) • 228 expires a�er 5 years (in 2020) • Extend 228 for 10 years and have the poten�al for 1.9B in general funds • NCLA Posi�on: Support • Extend SB 228 for 20 Years • 228 expires a�er 5 years (in 2020) • Modify SB 228 to extend mechanism for 20 years and have the poten�al for 3.9B in general funds over 20 years • Approximately $200M per year • NCLA Posi�on: Support General 228 • Allow Opera�ons Modi�ications Funds: and Maintenance (to Continued) be funded by SB 228 if TRANS II passes • Current law restricts use of SB 228 funds for transporta�on projects only • Concern that funds will be used from CDOT O&M budget to fund TRANS II bond repayment • Provides CDOT ﬂexibility to use these funds to oﬀset any O&M funds used for TRANS II • NCLA Posi�on: Support General Replace • SB 1 and 1310 Funds: were 228 the funding with mechanisms SB 1/replaced 1310 by SB 228. • SB 1: Diverted 10.355 percent of state sales and use tax revenue from the General Fund to the HUTF. Triggered if enough money available to increase General Fund appropria�ons at a 6% growth rate and to fully fund the statutory General Fund reserve. • HB 1310: Required that two-thirds of the excess General Fund reserve be transferred to the HUTF each year. The excess General Fund reserve was made up of money le� over a�er the TABOR surplus liability, General Fund appropria�ons, the Senate Bill 97-1 diversion, and other smaller obliga�ons were fully funded. • NCLA Posi�on: Support stable General Funds for Transporta�on. This is possible mechanism General Direct • Appropriate Funds: Appropriation General Funds for Transporta�on • Under the current budget, separate from various TABOR related formulas to direct unpredictable dollars from the General Fund to transporta�on (i.e. SB 228), there are no general fund dollars budgeted or appropriated to transporta�on. • NCLA Posi�on: Support General Sales • Capture a Tax percentage Funds: Capture of State Sales Tax revenue collected from the sales of vehicles and vehicle related items • 176,000 new cars sold in 2015 • At an average of $20,000 per new car, the sales tax collected is $109M • Similar to SB 1 but a smaller amount of revenue • NCLA Posi�on: Monitor • CDOT is developing addi�onal informa�on Budget Hospital • Statutory Flexibility: change Provider to move HPF to an Fee Enterprise. • Change allows for projected SB 228 Funds to fully ﬂow • Provides budget ﬂexibility • Important for the Governor and his budget oﬃce • Poli�cally diﬃcult as GOP opposed • NCLA took posi�on of support during 2015 Legisla�ve Session (4/20/15) • NCLA Posi�on: Support Budget Value • Allow local Flexibility: Capture governments to Area individually or collec�vely deﬁne a “value capture area” around a planned, state transporta�on infrastructure project. • IGA between state and local government(s) to “capture” a statutorily allowable por�on of state sales taxes generated within the VCA suﬃcient to pay bonds necessary to construct the designated infrastructure project. • Capture occurs before funds go to General Fund, thereby reducing the amount of General Fund revenue • Amount of capture(s) could be limited in scope/capped to manage amount of funds • Provide General Funds for Transporta�on while providing budget ﬂexibility • NCLA Posi�on: Support in Concept Budget De-• Temporarily Bruce Flexibility: or permanently for Transportation “DeBruce” state revenues with proceeds going to transporta�on infrastructure • Compe�ng interests make direc�on of all proceeds to transporta�on diﬃcult • Proceeds in range of $150M – $800M in projected out years • Con: Does DeBrucing exacerbate ﬁnancial “Gordian knot” • NCLA Posi�on: Support Philosophically New State • Increase Revenues: Sales State Sales Tax Tax with Increase revenues dedicated to transporta�on • Revenues for new projects, bond repayment, O&M or combina�on • 1 Cent increase raises $840M • 0.33 increase raises $280M • CCA Polling indicates 47% of voters support a sales tax increase to pay for transporta�on • Growing and sustainable funding mechanism • NCLA Posi�on: Support Conceptually • Of new revenue sources, sales tax is highest preference New State • Increase Revenues: State Fuels Fuel Tax Increase • Revenues for new projects, bond repayment, O&M or combina�on • 5 Cent increase raises $135M • 10 Cent increase raises $271M • Op�on to include indexing with inﬂa�on to minimize declining source • Many other states have recently increased state fuel taxes • CCA Polling indicates 24% of voters support a 10 cent sales tax increase to pay for transporta�on • NCLA Polling indicates 52% support a gas tax increase when asked generally without a speciﬁc number a�ached • NCLA Posi�on: Support Conceptually • Concern about poli�cal viability given polling • CMCA would likely support increase in diesel tax to align with fuel tax New Vehicle • Replace Revenues: state fuel Miles tax with a Traveled 2 cent per vehicle miles Tax traveled (VMT) tax • Pilot program underway in Oregon and Colorado is in process of developing pilot program • As a replacement would generate an addi�onal $24.3M in revenue in year one • Expected to be a growing revenue source • Colorado Contractors primary drivers behind VMT • CCA Polling indicates only 27% support of VMT • Could be very expensive to administer and privacy concerns • Provides equity among all road users • NCLA Posi�on: Monitor • Poten�al Long Term Solu�on New 10 • 10 year Year Revenues: (or 20 State year) surcharge Fuel on fuel Surcharge paid “at the pump” • Revenues dedicated for speciﬁc transporta�on project purposes • Revenues would be bondable, could be source of funds for TRANS II Bond Repayment • Renewal at end of surcharge period • Allows �me to develop a sustainable alterna�ve to gas tax • Used in Kentucky and Indiana • Revenues equal to that projected for state fuel tax increase • NCLA Posi�on: Support • Support of use for TRANS II bond repayment New Transportation • Tax Revenues: Credit for private individual Investment or corpora�on Tax who invests Credit in a speciﬁc transporta�on project • 50% or other number to be determined • Arizona and a couple of other states are considering concept • Funding would come from general fund but investment would need to be made ﬁrst before credit authorized • A general fund contribu�on to transporta�on • NCLA Posi�on: Monitor • More informa�on and clarity about how concept works • Speciﬁc example in Colorado New Increase • Replace Revenues: the up to FASTER $100 Penalty for Fees failure to register with an increase in the FASTER Fees • Eﬀorts to repeal FASTER Fees and/or the penal�es since FASTER passage in 2009 • Recent Audit report cri�cal of how FASTER Fees have been spent and allocated to priority projects • Poli�cally diﬃcult • NCLA Posi�on: No Posi�on New Speci�ic • Extend Revenues: the Speciﬁc Ownership Ownership Tax on Tax the taxable Reform value of a vehicle from 10 years to 15 years • Under current law, upon the 10 year ownership of a vehicle, the Tax converts to a $3.00 fee. • Es�mated that $10M - $20M can be raised with policy change • Would require vote of the people • Colorado Motor Carrier are advoca�ng for change • NCLA Posi�on: Do Not Support • Revenue too small for eﬀort required • Support if more revenue and assurance that dedicated to transporta�on projects New Reduce • Eliminate Revenues: “Oﬀ HUTF the Top” transfers for of Other HUTF funds Uses for uses other than transporta�on purposes • Approximately $100.7M annually is diverted from the HUTF to fund the State Patrol, Ports of Entry and Driver’s License Bureau • Poli�cally diﬃcult to reverse the diversions as they currently stand. Replacement would come from the General Fund. • NCLA Posi�on: No Posi�on Federal MAP-• MAP-21 21 Funding: Renewal/DRIVE Act • Extended through Oct 29 • Congress needs to transfer $13B from General Fund per year to keep highway funds aﬂoat • Colorado would receive around $615M in FY2016 and around $675M in FY2021, based on historic appor�onment for Colorado under MAP-21, • Developing a Reliable and Innova�ve Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act • Cleared Senate on July 30, 2015; Requires Vote of House • Six year federal transporta�on funding bill with 3 years of secured funding • Na�onal Funding begins at $44B in FY2016 and increases to $48.3B in FY2021 • $2.4B in compe��ve grants for a Major Projects Program • $2B per year dedicated to freight infrastructure • NCLA Posi�on: Support Federal Repatriation • One-�me tax Funding: on corporate proﬁts overseas to pay for long-term transporta�on bill • Invest in Transporta�on Act allows domes�c corpora�ons to elect to repatriate overseas income prior to 2015 at a 6.5% tax rate during a 5-year period • Establishment of Na�onal Infrastructure Bank (NIB) using a one-�me tax repatria�on holiday could add 1.5% to annual GDP ($252B), capitalized at around $25B • Funding • A one-�me, 14% tax on foreign proﬁts currently being held outside the US would fund a 6-year, $478B Surface Transporta�on Plan at the federal level • Based on previous MAP-21 appropria�on, Colorado’s share would be $6.7B over 6 year period • NCLA Posi�on: No Posi�on/Monitor Federal Freight • I-25 is a Primary Funding: Corridor Freight Network Route, Funding a federally designated freight corridor, a Colorado freight corridor, and a hazardous materials route • USDOT authorized to allow a maximum federal share of 95% if project makes a demonstrated improvement in the eﬃciency of freight movement and is iden�ﬁed in a State freight plan • I-25 is listed in the CDOT State Highway Freight Plan • Developing a Reliable and Innova�ve Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act • $13.5B over 6 years for freight transporta�on • Minimum $2B per year dedicated for freight infrastructure • $2.4B in compe��ve grants for a Major Projects Program to assist states and regions with large corridor and gateway transporta�on infrastructure projects • NCLA Posi�on: Support Federal Increase • Colorado received Funding: Federal approximately Fuel $512M in Tax federal fuel tax revenues in FY2014 • Increase the federal gas tax between from 18.4¢ per gallon for gasoline and 24.4¢ per gallon for diesel to a ﬂat 33.4¢ per gallon for gasoline and diesel results in a • Total federal fuel tax revenues of $1.37B per year for Colorado • Colorado receives 95¢ back for every dollar • NCLA Posi�on: Support • More predictable source of federal funding than others Federal Transportation • Decreases Funding: Federal Fuel Tax Empowerment to 3.7¢ per gallon Act • Increases State Fuel Taxes revenue by $359.6M per year • Decreasing the Federal Fuel Taxes and transferring funding responsibility to the State increases State Fuel Tax Revenue to $359.6M per year and reduces the funds transferred to donee states • $1.8B over 5 years • NCLA Posi�on: No Posi�on Local Regional • Locally Funding: created Transportation RTA Authority • Based upon prior experience, RTA would generate $80.5 M per year with 1% sales tax, $10 vehicle registra�on fee, 2% lodging tax, and tolls along HOT lanes • Most RTAs in Colorado have a Sales and Use Tax between 0.4% and 1.0%, which would be between $32M and $80.5M per year. • Must be approved by local municipal governments before ballot measure • Must pass a vote of the public • Must clearly deﬁne revenue sources and uses • Local governments and agencies would need to create, sign, and approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) • NCLA Posi�on: Monitor • Careful deﬁni�on/IGA to assure no reduced state funding • Diﬀerent model from previous eﬀort Local Presidential • Match Funding: numbers are Challenge based on possible Local award amounts Match for three resiliency projects within the NFRMPO • Li�le Thompson River Bridge • Big Thompson River Bridge • Cache la Poudre River Bridge • It is assumed iden�ﬁed communi�es would match funds for the North I-25 Corridor • Iden�ﬁed communi�es are along or within reasonable distance of North I-25 Corridor • Match numbers per community are based on 2013 popula�on share • It is assumed award match would be a combina�on of CDOT and Local funds or 100% Local funds • NCLA Posi�on: Support Local Larimer • NCLA Posi�on: Funding: County Local Support Match FACT SHEET I-25 Corridor at a Glance: Denver to Wyoming Interstate 25 plays a significant role in the quality of life and economic vitality of a growing northern Colorado. According to the State Demography Office, the population of Larimer County, currently 316,000, is expected to increase 52 percent by 2040. Similarly, Weld County’s population of 268,400 is expected to increase 111 percent by 2040. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) forecasts that this population growth will increase the number of vehicles making daily trips along the I-25 corridor by 60 percent in 2040. To provide the same, or better, quality of life and economic vitality for the future, improvements are needed on I-25. The North I-25 project has a strategy to provide modern and effective multi-modal transportation solutions for residents, employees, freight, and visitors traveling between Denver and Wyoming. I-25 Improvements Opportunity for Advancement To finish the improvements before 2075, CDOT is exploring funding from additional sources. CDOT is also investigating innovative project delivery methods to help lower the project’s cost and speed delivery. These include public-private partnerships (3P), which combine public funds with private investors; and design-build (D/B) contracts, which combine final design and construction into one contract. At a 20 percent level of design, alignments and major details are designed and right-of-way requirements are identified, allowing CDOT to issue a D/B contract. Potential funding sources include:  Senate Bill 228  Presidential Challenge for Risk and Resilience  Emergency Relief Funds  Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act  National Freight Funds  Local funds  FASTER Safety Funding To provide funding flexibility, CDOT is designing the corridor in segments and phases according to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which was published in August of 2011. Initial Improvements:  Two general-purpose lanes and one tolled express lane in each direction—US 36 to SH 7 and SH 66 to SH 14  Reconstructed interchanges and bridges  Express bus service  Incorporation of intelligent transportation systems  New carpool and transit facilities Based on existing revenues, the ultimate build-out of the project is expected by 2075. It is anticipated that continuous improvements will be made in accordance with the FEIS phasing plan from now until 2075. Ultimate Build-Out Improvements:  Three general purpose lanes and one tolled express lane in each direction on the entire corridor  Additional carpool and transit facilities FACT SHEET Where can I learn more? www.coloradodot.info/projects/northI-25 20% Design 5% Design 20% Design Level of Completion Initial Phase Total Costs 20% Design $356M - $495M $74M - $101M $32M $140M - $195M $135M - $189M $228M - $317M $141M - $196M $87M - $121M $264M - $368M $72M - $100M $192M - $268M $313M - $435M $72M - $101M $28M - $39M $100M - $139M $80M - $111M 3 existing general purpose lanes 95% Design Under Construction Existing Segment 8 Prospect Blvd - SH 14 Prospect Blvd Interchange Prospect Blvd - Harmony Rd Harmony Rd - SH 392 Segment 7 SH 392 - Crossroads Blvd Crossroads Blvd Bridges Crossroads Blvd - US 34 US 34 - SH 402 Segment 6 SH 402 - SH 60 SH 60 - SH 56 Segment 5 SH 56 Interchange SH 56 - SH 66 Segment 4 SH 7 - SH 66 Segment 3 SH 7 - 136th Ave 136th Ave - SH 128 Segment 2 US 36 - SH 128 Segment 1 Union Station to US 36 Existing Funding - FACT SHEET SH 56 to SH 402: Segment 6 Project Highlights Improve I-25 Mainline: ○ Two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction ○ Accommodations for three general-purpose lanes and one Tolled Express lane in each direction in a future ultimate condition ○ Full-width shoulders ○ Modern design to meet current standards ○ 12 new bridges ○ Incorporation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Improve State Highway (SH) 60 Interchange: ○ Four through-lanes and sidewalks on SH 60 ○ Carpool parking lot Improve Larimer County Road (LCR) 16 Interchange: ○ Reconstruction to a full-movement interchange, providing direct access onto I-25 ○ LCR 16 will cross over I-25 Improve State Highway 402 Interchange: ○ Four through-lanes and sidewalks on SH 402 ○ SH 402 will cross over I-25 ○ Gentler curve on I-25 through the interchange ○ Carpool parking lot Improve frontage roads: ○ Reconstruction with full-width shoulders ○ Relocation of intersections at SH 60, LCR 16, and SH 402 FACT SHEET Project Benefits ○ Safer corridor ○ Replaces aging and functionally obsolete infrastructure ○ Provides drivers choice of a new reliable travel lane ○ Reduces travel time ○ Increases public transit options ○ Contributes to a continuous managed lane system from Denver to Fort Collins Project Costs Estimated costs to build improvements on Segment 6 range from $228 million to $317 million. This cost estimate used 2015 dollars and is for building two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction. Actual project costs are subject to market conditions, such as the value of property acquisitions, material costs, and labor costs at the time the project goes to advertisement. Where can I learn more? For more information, please visit the project website at: www.coloradodot.info/projects/northI-25 Project Schedule The design plans for the ultimate build-out of Segment 6, which includes three-general purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction, are currently five percent complete. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for this project was completed in 2011. No Record of Decision has been signed for this segment. The project team will continue to advance the design plans to prepare for future funding opportunities and to support the phased implementation of the I-25 North Corridor. Northbound I-25 at Exit 250 to SH 56. October 2015 FACT SHEET SH 402 to Crossroads Boulevard: Segment 7 Project Highlights This segment of the I-25 North Corridor includes improvement to 4.3 miles of I-25 and 1.5 miles of US 34. Improve I-25 Mainline o Near-term improvements are planned for two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction o The future ultimate condition includes three general-purpose lanes plus one tolled Express Lane in each direction o Improved interchanges/new bridges at US 34 and Crossroads Blvd. o New bridges at the Big Thompson River, Larimer County Road 20, Great Western Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad o Improved vertical clearance at bridges o Improved roadway grades and curves o Widened and improved pavement and shoulders o Improved lighting, Intelligent Transportation Systems, signing and striping, and safety barriers o Improved roadside drainage and water quality New Express Bus Station on I-25 north of US 34 o Slip-ramps from I-25 allow the bus to quickly exit/enter the freeway, and pick-up/drop-off passengers o A parking lot is planned with connecting sidewalks to the bus pick- up/drop-off locations I-25 over Crossroads Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project (RAMP Funded Project) o Final design is underway with construction expected to begin in the Summer of 2016 o The project also will reconstruct I-25 with wider pavement, shoulders, improved roadway grades, and roadside safety for approximately one half mile north and south of Crossroads Boulevard. Express Bus Station Location I-25 over Crossroads Bridge Replacement Project FACT SHEET Improved I-25/US 34 Interchange System o New three-level single point urban interchange (SPUI) and ramp connections at I-25/US 34 o New SPUI on US 34 at Centerra Parkway and Rocky Mountain Avenue o Ramps that connect the three interchanges together as a system to provide both improved freeway operations and improved local access to Rocky Mountain Avenue and Centerra Parkway Project Costs Project cost estimates to build Segment 7 range from $318 million to $387 million. Cost estimating used 2013 dollars to achieve two general- purpose lanes plus one tolled Express Lane in each direction. Actual project cost is subject to market conditions, such as the value of property that is required for the additional project footprint and construction material and labor costs at the time of project advertisement. Project Schedule Currently, the project team is advancing the design of the Crossroads Boulevard Bridge Replacement project, with construction estimated to begin in the Summer of 2016. This project includes funding through CDOT RAMP. The project team also is working on long-lead items such as utility coordination, right-of-way evaluations, railroad coordination, and local agency coordination. Design will continue to progress in Segment 7 to prepare for potential future funding opportunites and various scenarios of phasing and implementation. Where can I learn more? For more information, please visit the project website at: www.coloradodot.info/projects/northI-25 October 2015 Benefits of I-25/US 34 Interchange System 1. $70 million less expensive than EIS alternative 2. Reduces wall heights and lengths 3. Interchange height reduced by 20+ feet and increased visibility to properties 4. Reduces size of Big Thompson bridge and environmental footprint 5. Ramps no steeper than 4 percent grade 6. No stops and less weaving on US 34 7. Less driver confusion—intuitive system FACT SHEET Crossroads Boulevard to SH 14: Segment 8 Project Highlights Improve I-25 Mainline: ○ Improvements are planned for two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction ○ The future ultimate condition includes three general-purpose lanes and one tolled express lane in each direction ○ Reconstruct frontage roads and mainline to provide full shoulder width ○ Geometric and safety improvements ○ 12 new bridges ○ Incorporation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Improve State Highway (SH) 14 Interchange: ○ Reconstruct interchange to increase capacity and improve access and safety ○ Provide better accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians ○ New Park-n-Ride lot Improve Prospect Road Interchange: ○ Reconstruct interchange to increase capacity and improve access and safety ○ Provide better accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians ○ New Park-n-Ride lot Replace and widen Kechter Road Bridge: ○ Add turn lanes and sidewalks ○ Add sidewalks and bicycle lanes Improve Cache La Poudre River Crossing: ○ Replace bridges ○ Incorporate river floodplain FACT SHEET Project Benefits ○ Improves safety ○ Replaces aging and functionally obsolete infrastructure ○ Provides drivers choice of a new reliable travel lane ○ Reduces travel times ○ Increases public transit options ○ Contributes to a continuous managed lane system from Denver to Fort Collins Project Costs The costs to build Segment 8 range from $228 million to $317 million. The cost estimate used 2015 dollars and includes the construction of two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction. The actual project cost will vary depending on the value of property that will need to be acquired and the costs of materials and labor at the time the project goes to advertisement. Project Schedule For more information, please visit the project website at: www.coloradodot.info/projects/northI-25 Where can I learn more? The Final Environmental Impact Statement for this segment was completed in 2011. The project team is currently preparing the ultimate design plans. This includes the design of three general- purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane in each direction. After the major features for the ultimate design are identified, such as right of way, a plan will be created to allow for the initial implementation of two general-purpose lanes and one tolled Express Lane. Design will continue to be ready for future funding opportunities and to support the phased implementation of the complete I-25 North Corridor. I-25 bridge at the Cache La Poudre River crossing looking north. October 2015 I-25 Critical to State’s Economic Health January 2016 Purpose of Ground Transportation System is… …to move goods and people in the safest and most time- and cost- efficient manner possible Typical Ground Transportation Modes include… Cars (single or multiple occupancy) Trucks Buses Rail (light rail, commuter rail) Pedestrian Bikes Transportation demand management (programs and policies to reduce travel demand) tolling, ride-sharing, bike lanes, multi-use trails, work-from-home policies, etc. What is North I-25? The Problem I-25 Fort Collins to Longmont (28 miles) lacks adequate capacity resulting in frequent traffic delays - 67,000 cars daily each way North I-25 at Level of Service D headed to LOS F by 2035 = 3 hours to Denver and DIA Population by 2040: +52% Larimer, +111% Weld Cost to widen I-25 fr Hwy 14 to Hwy 66: $1.2B, but no funding has been committed Lack of an organized lobbying effort focused on securing funds to widen North I-25 Fix North I-25 Business Alliance A “permanent” lobbying effort Fix North I-25 Business Alliance created by businesses in Larimer-Weld County area www.FixNorthI25.com Fix North I-25 Business Alliance Mission: Help secure $1.2B (or however much is necessary)… …to widen I-25 to 3 lanes each way… …between Highway 14 and Highway 66… …by 2025 Leadership Two-Tiered Leadership Council Leaders of prominent companies in Northern Colorado Steering Committee The working group Total: 12 Activities of Alliance Lobbyist and PR / media team retained Developed clear focus – vision, guiding principles, goals Studied highway funding options Extensive direct lobbying – governor, legislators, county / city officials, CDOT, Highway Commission, Congressional delegation, chair of U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, etc Public relations and ally building Statewide public opinion polling TRANS bonds proposal 2015 legislative session Results To-Date (since Mar 2014) Supported work of CDOT, Commissioner Kathy Gilliland, area county commissions and city leaders, Transportation Commission, HPTE Board to secure $99.5M for capacity improvements on north I-25 – interchange, climbing hill, etc North I-25 now considered a top state transportation priority Alliance helping create regional consensus on strategy and priority funding options Supported Senator Gardner / Colorado delegations successful effort to get funding in Federal Highway Trust Fund legislation (TIFIA loan prog) Supported ~$92M CDOT request for Presidential Challenge Grant and Resilience and Recovery Grant Led 2015 TRANS bonds effort, came close to getting $3.5B measure on ballot Statewide Polling Fix N I-25 did statewide polling March 2015 9 of 10 voters view the state’s roads, bridges and infrastructure as in need of repair. 8 of 10 would like to see portion of state budget set aside for large, economically significant transportation projects 6 of 10 (61 percent) support renewal of TRANS Bonds 52 percent support increasing the state gas tax 54 percent oppose increasing license and car registration fees by $20 Messages that resonate – finite period of time, specific list What’s Next Building statewide business coalition www.FixColoradoRoads.com to advocate for more funding for transportation Support General Fund dollars going to transportation (maintenance & construction) Support a referred measure to extend the TRANS bond program – called “Fix Colorado Roads Act” Protect SB-228 transportation funding during 2016 Legislative Session, modify 228 for maintenance (as long as it tied to TRANS bond program) and extend 228 for 10 years Press CDOT for operational fixes like restriping I-25 between Hwys 14 & 34 to add another lane (short-term fix contingent upon widening Poudre River bridge) Continue seeking consensus on new transportation revenue options Proactive, Scalable Plan Annual lobbying / pr-media plan $170,000 - $200,000 Private companies have contributed: $127,000 cash 36,000 in-kind $163,000 total Frequently Asked Questions Why don’t we just build a commuter rail line instead of more lanes on the Interstate? Eventually this will get done; matter of priority; rail is high cost / low yield in terms of people moved; better results in ‘short-term’ from widening the Interstate Not just about moving people; North I-25 is only federally-designated freight corridor in Colorado Why not just raise the gas tax? Requires vote of people and polling indicates will not pass; seen as non-discretionary cost What might voters support? More money from General Fund Bonding (renewal of TRANS bonds) Would consider dedicated transportation sales tax $10M ($3M - Metro $2M - RPP $5M - FASTER Safety for climbing lane) - $32M ($30M - RAMP $2M - Metro for Crossroad Bridges) $73M Potential Funding $10M - $30M (Emergency Relief Funding) $30M - $60M (Presidential Challenge Funding) $100M (National Freight Funding) $200M (Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act) $100M Senate Bill 228 $30M - Local Funding Funding Needed for Completion $228M - $317M $141M - $196M $87M - $121M $264M - $368M $72M - $100M $192M - $268M $313M - $435M $72M - $101M $28M - $39M $100M - $139M $80M - $111M $324M - $463M $74M - $101M $0 $140M - $195M $135M - $189M $4M - $47M $43M $4M - $120M $43M $77M