Mayor Steve Bach
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region aren’t getting their fair share of funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
So says Mayor Steve Bach, who has been sounding the alarm since he was took office.
On Thursday, he sent the following letter to CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt and Colorado Springs businessman Les Gruen, who serves on the state Transportation Commission:
December 20, 2012
Mr. Les Gruen Mr. Don Hunt
Transportation Commissioner Executive Director
Colorado State Transportation Commission Colorado Department of Transportation
6 S Tejon, Suite 550 4201 East Arkansas Avenue, Room 262
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Denver, Colorado 80222
Gentlemen:
Thank you for our conference call conversation last Friday, December 14th. To confirm, we have four (4) State highway-related, urgent public safety matters here where your help is needed. Specifically:
1) Cimarron Interchange with I 25. This is a very dangerous, winding section of I-25 with recurring traffic accidents. The local jurisdictions, through the PPACG, have provided $4M in Metro Funds for the advanced purchase of ROW prior to any CDOT funding of the interchange. CDOT has now provided $7M for preliminary design of the interchange. An additional $95M is needed from CDOT to complete construction.
2) Fillmore Interchange with I 25. Traffic during rush hour backs up onto the through lanes both Northbound and Southbound. The City has committed nearly $7M to the planning, design, and construction of the relocation of Chestnut Street, which is required for the completion of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). The estimated CDOT cost to complete the DDI is an additional $11M.
3) Old Ranch Road Bridges at Powers Boulevard. We’ve had multiple fatalities at this currently on grade intersection. The City has agreed to fund this project in its entirety using PPRTA funds. The estimated cost is $8M. CDOT staff has discussed funding this project in advance of the PPRTA schedule with a four year payback from the City.
4) Stewart Avenue Interchange with Powers Boulevard. Traffic during rush hour backs up onto the through lanes both Northbound and Southbound. The City performed capacity analysis of the existing Powers/Airport intersection and found that adequate capacity for the short-term future (10 years) could be provided with the addition of a through lane in each direction on Powers Boulevard south of Platte Avenue. CDOT staff has agreed with this concept and is planning to fund this improvement with $10M committed FASTER funds.
Please let us know as soon as possible the approximate start dates for these projects. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Steve Bach
Mayor
Cc: Members, Pikes Peak Region Mayors Caucus
Members, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors
Members, Colorado Springs City Council
Attachment: Distribution List
Distribution List for Mayor Bach 12.20.12 letter to Messrs. Les Gruen and Don Hunt
Members, Pikes Peak Region Mayors Caucus
Mayor Blair Bartling – Town of Calhan
Mayor Bruce Brown – City of Cripple Creek
Mayor Travis Easton – Town of Monument
Mayor Buck Hakes – City of Victor
Mayor Jeri Howells – City of Fountain
Commission Chair Jim Ignatious – Teller County Commissioners
Commission Chair Amy Lathen – El Paso County Commissioners
Mayor Nikki McDonald – Town of Palmer Lake
Mayor Marc Snyder – City of Manitou Springs
Mayor Dave Turley – City of Woodland Park
Mayor Lorrie Worthey – Town of Green Mountain Falls
Members, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Board of Directors
Chair Commissioner Sallie Clark
First Vice Chair Commissioner Dennis Hisey
Second Vice Chair Councilmember Scott Hente
Secretary Trustee Tyler Stevens
Treasurer Commissioner Jim Ignatious
Members, City of Colorado Springs City Council
Councilor Merv Bennett
Councilor Lisa Czelatdko
Councilor Angela Dougan
President Scott Hente
Councilor Bernie Herpin
Councilor Tim Leigh
President Pro Tem Jan Martin
Councilor Val Snider
Councilor Brandy Williams
So the $124M the mayor is asking for works out to a bit over $300 per CS resident. Very roughly half the people in the city have jobs and presumeably pay some taxes. Thus, the mayor is asking for $600 per taxpayer. A resonable sum, given it will surely be spread over 2, 3, or more years.
However, its interesting to note, if we just taxed every taxpayer in the city and extra $6 a month starting eight years ago almost all this work would be done already. Hmmm.
Tim, all the projects improve roadways on the state highway system which is historically been maintained and funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The mayor is throwing some city money into the pot to accelerate CDOT action which will delay some city street improvements.
The Mayor is such a bully. He bullies City staff. He bullies Council. He bullies Utilities. He bullies County Commissioners. Now he’s bullies the state transportation director and board member. Who does our Mayor get along with?