Colorado’s transportation grid is the lifeline for our state’s economy. Unfortunately, Colorado, like many states, can no longer depend on the gas tax to keep up with transportation-funding demands. Revenue from federal and state gas taxes, assessed at rates that have been fixed for more than two decades, has steadily declined as we drive fewer miles and burn less gasoline in more fuel-efficient cars.
According to an Inside Energy analysis, after adjusting for inflation, the Colorado Department of Transportation takes in 30 percent less money from gas taxes now than it did in 2000—despite statewide population increasing by more than 1 million people since then.
No matter where you live in Colorado, we all depend on a well-functioning, modern transportation network to safely deliver goods to market, workers to their jobs and kids to school. It fosters tourism and helps us enjoy all our state has to offer. An effective transportation network is vital for Colorado to maintain a competitive economic edge regionally, nationally and globally. It benefits all of us: individuals, small and large businesses, farmers, schools, emergency and safety providers, tourists and travelers.
Our transportation woes go way beyond the epic backups along Interstate 70. Every region of Colorado has fallen behind on strategic transportation projects. CDOT has years of backlogged maintenance projects statewide. It’s time for Colorado to renew its commitment to transportation funding. Importantly, we must secure a long-term transportation-funding solution while the state’s economy is strong and revenue is available to make significant improvements.
The Colorado Contractors Association, along with Move Colorado, is working to find solutions and has embarked on voter and policy research. Tony Milo, CCA’s executive director, and Bill Ray will join us on September 21 for a presentation on what’s next for transportation funding. Please join us to discuss how to move the conversation and solutions forward on transportation funding.
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce September 2015 Newsletter.