HomeMy WebLinkAboutR18-072 Resolution in Support of "Let's Go, Colorado" Commissioner N4t- J L i"-moved adoption
of the following Resolution:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF EAGLE,STATE OF COLORADO
v
Resolution No.2018-1)
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF "LET'S GO, COLORADO,"
A STATE CITIZEN INITIATIVE DESIGNATED AS INITIATIVE#153,
TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR STATEWIDE AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS
WHEREAS,on November 6, 2018,state voters may have the opportunity to support a measure to
increase the state sales tax by 0.62% for twenty years,or about six cents on a ten-dollar purchase,for
statewide and local transportation needs; and
WHEREAS, a modern,safe,and efficient 21st century transportation system is essential to Colorado's
quality of life and the health of our economy; and
WHEREAS, annual state transportation spending per driver,adjusted for inflation, is about half of what
it was during 1991/1992--the last time that the state and federal gas taxes were raised--while Colorado's
population has grown nearly 60 percent since that time; and
WHEREAS,the increased demands on Colorado's transportation infrastructure has resulted in increased
traffic congestion, safety concerns, air pollution,and lost worker productivity; and
WHEREAS,the Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT)has identified$9 billion in much
needed statewide transportation projects that lack funding; and
WHEREAS,Eagle County has identified a significant shortfall in the funding necessary to maintain its
transportation infrastructure,ensure safety, and meet mobility needs; and
WHEREAS,the failure to maintain roads and bridges adequately costs Coloradans an average of$468
per driver per year due to damage and unnecessary wear-and-tear to vehicles; and
WHEREAS, addressing Colorado's transportation funding challenges requires a dedicated, sufficient, and
guaranteed stream of revenue at the state and local levels; and
WHEREAS, a bipartisan,statewide group of local elected officials and business leaders has proposed to
raise the state sales tax by 0.62 percent, or about six cents on a ten-dollar purchase, for transportation
needs; and
WHEREAS, Initiative#153 could be expected to raise$767 million in its first year and allow for the
bonding of$6 billion for state transportation projects; and
WHEREAS,of the revenue generated by Initiative#153,60 percent would be directed to statewide
transportation projects,multimodal transportation investments, and bond repayment.Two examples of
high profile,regional priorities for Eagle County residents,workers,and visitors with a$234.5 million
funding commitment include::
• 1-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes,Phase 1
• 1-70 West: Dowd Canyon Interchange; and
WHEREAS,the remaining 40 percent of new revenue would be allocated equally between county and
municipal governments and made available for multimodal capital or operational expenses as determined
by local transportation needs. Potential projects include:
• New roundabouts along Highway 6 in West Edwards
• Road and pedestrian safety improvements along Highway 6 in Eagle and Gypsum
• Road and signal improvements at Highway 82 and El Jebel Road
• Road and safety improvements along Frying Pan Road
• Eco Transit bus fleet electrification
• Improved Eco Transit Park 'n Ride facilities
• Expanded Eco Transit routes and commuter service
• Eagle River Valley Trail completion
• Increased bike share programming throughout valleys; and
WHEREAS,Eagle County and its communities are expected to receive over$58.5 million in state
transportation funding for local projects over the next 20 years from this revenue source, which will help
bring an estimated$293 million in additional transportation funding to improve Eagle County mobility;
and
WHEREAS, local revenues can also be used to leverage state dollars for these local projects; and
WHEREAS, Eagle County Government will continue to work with CDOT through the Intermountain
Transportation Planning Region process to identify,prioritize and fund additional transportation projects
and multimodal transportation investments that are vital to Eagle County interests.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Eagle County,
Colorado:
THAT,the Board hereby endorses Initiative#153 as a strong solution to address Colorado's
transportation funding shortfalls and provide for the mobility needs of all Eagle County residents,
workers,and visitors.
THAT,should Initiative#153 qualify for the 2018 state general election ballot,the Eagle County Board
of County Commissioners urges community members to vote FOR the measure.
MOVED,READ AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Eagle,
State of Colorado at its regular meeting held the '11* day of ,2018.
S pL u-Nr
COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
COLORADO, By and Through Its
• BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST:
• 0•134E%
• cOt
\ i•4 4 ,
By: A
i / , 1 ,
0 • , ,,,
P--if _ivt 0112tA 0 Lid Aiiii 4 Ali 4/ICJ 4 4/ - III II i
Clerk to the Board of Kathy Oil andler-Henry dr)
County Commissioners c9 / /
Vi`-f 1 L___: =4,11.----- Dik-va•
hi:,H. Ryan
inmissi9w
• tr) CV
ne McQueene
Commissioner
Commissioner 10-4-1/6-.., seconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The roll
having been called, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Chandler-Henry 4-1,
Commissioner Ryan
Commissioner McQueeney 14—•-
This resolution passed by vote of the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Eagle, State of Colorado
