With Session One-third Over, Colorado Lawmakers Inch Toward Deal To Improve Roads

Colorado’s top lawmakers continued to tout agreement Tuesday for a measure to fix the state’s crumbling roads and traffic congestion even though they remained far apart on the solution. The limited progress on the legislative session’s top issue became apparent at a forum in Denver hosted by a coalition of organizations pressuring lawmakers to put more money toward transportation. The problem remains how to pay for an estimated $9 billion in transportation needs in the next decade, and Democratic and Republican lawmakers appear hesitant to publicize a plan that is expected to increase taxes and redirect dollars from other current programs. Republican Senate President Kevin Grantham and Democratic House Speaker Crisanta Duran repeatedly vowed at the forum to find “common ground” without offering specifics 40 days into the 120-day session. Related ArticlesFebruary 15, 2017 Traffic deaths soared past 40,000 last year for the first time in a decade February 15, 2017 I-76 reopen after fatal collision in westbound lanes February 7, 2017 Bill to let Colorado cyclists roll through stop signs, red lights dies in committee February 7, 2017 16 travel options for skiers who don’t want to drive to Colorado’s slopes February 6, 2017 A commuter’s dream: Entrepreneurs race to develop flying car The conversation left an audience of business leaders and local officials optimistic but underwhelmed. “I think there’s a commitment that you heard loud and clear to entertain the hard discussions, the questions that are so necessary to come up with the long-term sustainable solution,” said Jeff Wasden, the president of the Colorado Business Roundtable, a host for the event. Still, he acknowledged, “I don’t think we heard what we needed.” Colorado lawmakers are looking to find $250 million to $300 million a year to support a $3.5 billion bond package for road construction.