Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

OWENS PROPOSES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR
RURAL ROADS, AIRPORTS IN BUDGET PROPOSAL

DENVER – Governor Bill Owens today called for an addition $50 million for rural roads and $500,000 for rural airports under his Fiscal Year 2000-2001 budget proposal.

"While the recent passage of Referendum A will greatly help us catch up on our most critical highway needs over the next twenty years, I believe we can boost the amount spent on rural roads by an additional $50 million," Owens said. "I am also requesting an additional $500,000 for improvements and upgrades to our rural airports across this big state."

Colorado voters approved Referendum A two weeks ago by a 62-38 margin. Referendum A will allow the state to accelerate statewide construction of major highway projects through the use of TRANS—Transportation Revenue Anticipation Notes. TRANS would bond against future federal gas tax revenues to accelerate 24 major projects across Colorado.

During his appearance before the Joint Budget Committee to unveil his Fiscal Year 2000-2001 budget proposal, Owens emphasized that regular resurfacing and maintenance on rural roads can be increased due to the passage of Referendum A and the ability to use part of the state revenue surplus on capital needs such as highways.

"My budget also requests $500,000 for rural airports," Owens said. "Air service is vital to many communities and we must invest in rural airports in order to ensure safe and reliable air travel throughout the state."

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