3/3/09-Gov. Bill Ritter signed a transportation spending bill March 2 that includes the option of charging tolls to access existing free routes.
Trying to raise at least $250 million a year to fix the state’s crumbling roads and bridges, the bill includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. Previously SB108, the new law also authorizes issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
Surrounding communities would have to support the toll deal.
The initiative is expected to generate $252 million annually over four years to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges in the state. The money will come via an increase in vehicle registration fees phased in over three years. The fees for commercial trucks will increase to $71 by 2012.
Also attached to the bill is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that can pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups.

2/26/09-The House voted 34-31 to approve a bill that includes the option of charging tolls to access existing free routes.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 is intended to raise at least $250 million a year to fix the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. Four Democrats – including the House Majority Leader – joined every Republican in opposition of SB108. Nevertheless, the bill that includes some truck fees now moves to the Senate for approval of changes before advancing to Gov. Bill Ritter’s desk for his signature.
Trying to address transportation needs this year and in future years, the plan brought forward by the governor includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
Surrounding communities would have to support the toll deal.
A bipartisan effort to amend the bill to block actions to add tolls to existing roads was unsuccessful.
The governor’s initiative is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges in the state. The money would come via an increase in vehicle registration fees phased in over three years. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles would double.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups.
Gibbs wrote in the bill that “increasing funding for designated bridge projects and road safety projects ... through the imposition of bridge and road safety surcharges and other new fees ... will not only provide funding to complete the projects but will also accelerate the state’s economic recovery.”
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.

2/24/09-The House Appropriations Committee voted to advance a bill to the full House that includes increasing some truck fees and tolling existing roads. The Senate already approved it.
Trying to address transportation needs this year and in future years, the plan brought forward by Gov. Bill Ritter is intended to boost revenues to fix the state’s crumbling roadways.
The plan includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
Surrounding communities would have to support the toll deal.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges in the state. The money would come via an increase in vehicle registration fees. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups.
Gibbs wrote in the bill that “increasing funding for designated bridge projects and road safety projects ... through the imposition of bridge and road safety surcharges and other new fees will not only provide funding to complete the projects but will also accelerate the state’s economic recovery.”
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.

2/18/09-The House Transportation and Energy Committee voted 6-5 to advance a bill to the House Appropriations Committee that includes increasing some truck fees and tolling existing roads. The Senate already approved it.
Trying to address transportation needs this year and in future years, the plan brought forward by Gov. Bill Ritter is intended to boost revenues to fix the state’s crumbling roadways.
The plan includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
Surrounding communities would have to support the toll deal.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges in the state. The money would come via an increase in vehicle registration fees. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups.
Gibbs wrote in the bill that “increasing funding for designated bridge projects and road safety projects ... through the imposition of bridge and road safety surcharges and other new fees will not only provide funding to complete the projects but will also accelerate the state’s economic recovery.”
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.

2/6/09-The Senate voted 19-16 Thursday Feb. 5 to send a bill to the House that includes increasing some truck fees and tolling existing roads.
Trying to address transportation needs this year and in future years, the plan brought forward by Gov. Bill Ritter is intended to boost revenues to fix the state’s crumbling roadways.
The plan includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
Surrounding communities would have to support the toll deal (not to mention the federal government).
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges in the state. The money would come via an increase in vehicle registration fees. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups.
Gibbs wrote in the bill that “increasing funding for designated bridge projects and road safety projects ... through the imposition of bridge and road safety surcharges and other new fees will not only provide funding to complete the projects but will also accelerate the state’s economic recovery.”
Senate lawmakers removed one provision from the bill that sought to implement an experimental program to eliminate the fuel tax and, in its place, implement a vehicle-miles-traveled fee for those who are interested in participating.
The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.

2/3/09-The Senate Appropriations Committee has cleared a bill that is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years via an increase in registration fees based on vehicle weight. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
The initial $100 million from the increases would be used to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges identified by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The other $150 million would be used for roadway safety and divided among the state, counties and municipalities.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups to build new roads.
The plan also calls for a pilot program on eliminating the fuel tax, and in its place, implementing a vehicle-miles-traveled fee.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 advanced from the Senate Finance Committee a week ago and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.

1/28/09-The Senate Transportation Committee voted 4-3 along party lines Tuesday, Jan. 27, to advance a bill that is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years via an increase in registration fees based on vehicle weight. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
The initial $100 million from the increases would be used to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges identified by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The other $150 million would be used for roadway safety and divided among the state, counties and municipalities.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups to build new roads.
The plan also calls for a pilot program on eliminating the fuel tax, and in its place, implementing a vehicle-miles-traveled fee.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, SB108 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
For bill status, call 303-866-3055. In Colorado, call 888-473-8136.