Press Release - Thank you to Blue Ribbon Transportation Panel
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 2008
CONTACT:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER THANKS TRANSPORTATION PANEL, URGES CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON INFRASTRUCTURE
Gov. Bill Ritter today thanked his Blue Ribbon Transportation Panel for devoting the past 18 months to examining the state's transportation-funding crisis, including extensive public-awareness and community-outreach meetings around the state this fall.
"The members of this panel worked extremely hard on this very complicated issue for well over a year," Gov. Ritter said. "They have described Colorado's transportation funding challenges as a 'quiet crisis.' Their work has increased public awareness so that this is no longer quiet. It is now very urgent, and the panel has given us a solid framework for the 2009 legislative session."
The panel held its final meeting today before the legislature convenes its 2009 session in January.
"At such a challenging time for our economy, the most effective thing the state can do is make strategic investments toward improving our infrastructure, which will address critical needs in a way that helps to stimulate the economy and create jobs," Gov. Ritter said. "The panel has given us options to consider for making those strategic investments."
Also today, Gov. Ritter urged the state's congressional delegation to support a second economic-stimulus package that invests in infrastructure projects.
"Colorado has 126 bridges that are rated structurally deficient, and more than 40 percent of our highways are in poor condition," Gov. Ritter wrote. "Many of our local transit systems also are unable to meet current demand. At the same time, we face declining federal and state revenue to support needed repairs. In the coming budget, we project a revenue decline exceeding $400 million -- a nearly one-third reduction -- for transportation projects.
"In addition to addressing our deteriorating transportation system, such an infrastructure package will have a dramatic and immediate impact on job creation and job preservation in Colorado. Transportation contractors estimate that for every $1 billion invested in transportation, 37,000 jobs are created. This investment will effectively keep Coloradans working and off of unemployment benefits."
Here is the complete letter from Gov. Ritter to the congressional delegation:
Nov. 13, 2008
Dear Colorado Congressional Delegation Member:
In a short period of time, many critical issues have emerged that will have a direct impact on the future economic vitality of our state. One issue of immediate concern is the need for a second economic stimulus package. As you consider this legislation, it is my hope that you promote and work towards a significant investment in infrastructure.
As you are no doubt aware, Colorado's infrastructure system, specifically our transportation infrastructure, is in dire need of assistance. Colorado has 126 bridges that are rated structurally deficient and more than 40% of our highways are in poor condition. Many of our local transit systems also are unable to meet current demand. At the same time, we face declining federal and state revenue to support needed repairs. In the coming budget, we project a revenue decline exceeding $400 million -- a nearly one-third reduction -- for transportation projects.
In addition to addressing our deteriorating transportation system, such an infrastructure package will have a dramatic and immediate impact on job creation and job preservation in Colorado. Transportation contractors estimate that for every $1 billion invested in transportation, 37,000 jobs are created. This investment will effectively keep Coloradans working and off of unemployment benefits.
Transportation funding will be a high priority in Colorado's upcoming legislative session. But, it is also imperative that we have strong federal partners in Washington who are committed to addressing this vital issue.
Thus far, Colorado has been somewhat buffered from the severe economic downturn other states are experiencing. Our diversified economy and Colorado's growing New Energy Economy have helped protect us against the severe national and international economic headwinds. Investment in our transportation infrastructure will stimulate all aspects of Colorado's economy, including our energy, new energy, tourism and other sectors that are heavily dependent on a safe and reliable transportation system.
As Congress considers another economic stimulus package, I ask that you work to include a significant infrastructure investment component. This wise investment will pay dividends for many years to come. Thank you for your consideration, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor