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Statewide Planning News
News on the Statewide Transportation Planning Process Spring 2001
Transportation Commission 1-70 PEIS Makes Progress
Adopts 20 Year Melanie Pyryt, J.F. Sato & Associates
Transportation Plan A lot of progress has been made for the I-70 Mountain
Jamie Collins Corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
(PEIS) since the inception of the study in January 2000.
The Colorado Transportation Commission adopted the However,there is still a lot more work to be done.
2020 Statewide Transportation Plan: Investing in
Colorado's Future at its monthly meeting on November As Coloradoans are no doubt aware,the 1-70 Mountain
16, 2000. This comprehensive plan is the culmination of Corridor is significant for both inter- and intrastate
Colorado's grass roots planning process involving local, travel. The 140-mile-long stretch of corridor passes
regional, and state participants within the state's 15 through five counties -Jefferson, Clear Creek, Summit,
Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs) and lays the Eagle, and Garfield - and more than 20 municipalities
groundwork for programming transportation projects from the west side of the Denver metropolitan area to
over the next 20 years. Glenwood Springs.
Each TPR developed its own regional transportation For several years, traffic congestion,mobility, and safety
plan that identified and prioritized transportation have become an increasingly difficult problem.
improvements that will meet its mobility needs over the Solutions for improvements to the problem have been
next 20 years. Plans considered needs for all modes of and continue to be addressed. Potential solutions
transportation, including highway,bicycle,pedestrian, involve the complexities, challenges, and consideration
transit,railroad, and aviation. Another key element in of restrictive mountainous terrain(including steep grades
the development of each plan was public involvement. of up to 6 percent), high altitude, sensitive natural
The public's interests, values and opinions were solicited environment, and values of the communities along the
through public meetings, forums and workshops Mountain Corridor.
throughout the planning process.
The I-70 team is considering a multi-modal approach to
continued on page 2 improving traffic congestion and safety resulting from
the growing population in many Colorado communities,
as well as increasing interest in various mountain
recreation activities. CDOT Region 1, and a consultant
INSIDE THIS ISSUE team led by J.F. Sato and Associates, is conducting the
study in compliance with the National Environmental
1 Transportation Commission Adopts 20 Year Policy Act(NEPA). CDOT and The Federal Highway
Transportation Plan Administration(FHWA), as the lead agency,will make
final decisions concerning the preferred alternative. The
1 1-70 Programmatic EIS Makes Progress PEIS will incorporate the findings and recommendations
of previous studies, including the Major Investment
3 MPOs Begin 2025 Long Range Transportation Plans Study(MIS) of the area completed by CDOT in 1998.
5 In Brief continued on page 5
6 Highlights ro p _ w
0� •7, TT Alt"' in-/9s 4 I.
C zvse,/T 0'I d Statewide Planning News I
2001-1282
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Commission Adopts 20 Year Plan continued from page 1
After projects and needs were identified,they were enhancement, and maintenance of the existing
further prioritized for the financially constrained plan, infrastructure. However, the Commission also
which identifies only those projects that can reasonably recognizes that it may be necessary to expand the current
be expected to receive funding from anticipated revenues state transportation system in order to respond to
over the next 20 years. projected growth in Colorado.
Along with the projects selected for both the constrained Expansion of the system may include increases in
and unfunded portions of plan, the 2020 Statewide corridor capacity,the addition of new corridors, or the
Transportation Plan includes policy statements that will redesignation of local roads. Any additions to the state
provide guidance to CDOT and its planning partners on system will be contingent on the availability of funds, an
a number of planning, funding and implementation exchange of facilities with local governments or
issues. public/private partnerships. If an addition is deemed
Of prominent concern to the Transportation necessary, it must also be consistent with the role and
function of the state highway system.
Commission, as well as members of the Statewide
Transportation Advisory Committee, (STAC), is flexible Now that the 2020 Statewide Transportation Plan has
funding for alternative modes, revenue sharing with been adopted, Regional Planning Commissions are
local governments,tiering the transportation system and beginning to develop amendments to the plan and three
growth in the state transportation system. of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations are
beginning to develop their 2025 Plans, details of which
The Commission has stated that it supports utilizing are included in this issue. In the meantime, copies of the
other Regional Priority funds for alternative mode 2020 Statewide Transportation Plan will be available
projects that benefit the state's highway system and are through CDOT. If you would like to receive a copy,
prioritized through the regional planning process. please contact Jamie Collins at(303) 757-9814. •
Further, the Commission supports utilizing federal and
Senate Bill 99-1 funding flexibility of strategic projects;
and supports modal flexibility for existing and new
transportation revenues within constitutional, legislative Now Available:
and regulatory constraints and Commission program
priorities. The 2020 Statewide
Transportation Plan:
Regarding sharing revenues with local governments, the Investing in Colorado's
Commission supports continued sharing of the Highway Future
User's Tax Fund(HUTF), as defined by the existing . htto.//www.dot.state.co.us
formula, as well as any increases to the HUTF. In
addition, the Commission supports sharing new sources
of voter approved statewide transportation revenues with
local governments.
The Commission has also asked CDOT staff to work
with its transportation stakeholders in order to refine the sn
leill". 4.1.141.11.1.11111.11./
rg
State Significant Corridors into a tiered transportation
system. Once approved, this new tiered system will
allow the Commission to move forward with the
utilization of performance objectives that will further
assist in optimizing the state's investment in the
transportation system.
Finally, the Commission clarified its stance regarding
growth in the transportation system. The Commission
will continue its high priority on preservation, 7
Statewide Planning News 2
'
#! �- improvements. It also allocates funding for bicycle and
ro,
" t` pedestrian improvements, bus service expansion and
t travel demand management activities. The 2020 Plan
Videntifies $16.3 billion in revenues and expenditures
1/4 from 1999 through 2020.
° i Ch f -a DRCOG 2025 Plan: Tentative Schedule of Activities
y�P.A and Milestones: *
2001
July—Cities,Counties,CDOT and RTD submit changes to
the
3 MPOs Begin 2025 Long — Plan
g Aug.A —Nov.—DRCOG evaluates submittals of roadway and
Range Transportation Plans transit network changes and proposed bicycle and pedestrian,
9 p TDM,freight and aviation elements
Nov.—Dec.—DRCOG conducts public hearing process and
Kathy Engelson, Herman Stockinger, & Jeff Walker approves roadway and transit Networks to undergo air quality
modeling analysis
Federal regulations require Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPOs) to update long range 2002
transportation plans. In nonattainment and maintenance June- DRCOG conducts Draft 2025 Plan Public Hearing
July—DRCOG Board considers adoption of 2025 Plan
areas, long range plans must be updated at least every Schedule subject to change.
three years to confirm air quality standards are met.
These plans lead to the development of intermodal To get involved in DRCOG's 2025 Plan:
transportation systems that efficiently move people and • Go to the DRCOG Web site at www.drcog.org
goods. Three Colorado MPOs that are currently • Complete the on-line questionnaire
updating their 2025 Long Range Transportation Plans • Contact your local officials
include the Denver Regional Council of Governments, • Attend Public Hearings
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, and North
Front Range Transportation and Air Quality Planning • Contact Steve Cook, DRCOG at(303)480-6749 or
Council. A description of each MPO's 2025 long range Scook@dreog.org
planning process is included below.
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' 2025
Denver Regional Council of Governments' 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan
Long Range Transportation Plan The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG)
The Denver Metro region's population is expected to is beginning work on a plan to address the Colorado
grow by nearly 50 percent, or by more than one million Springs Urban Area's transportation needs. Destination
people, by 2025. Along with growth comes increased 2025: A Mobility Plan for the Pikes Peak Region
(Destination 2025)will focus on mobility needs for a 20
travel demands and traffic congestion. In response to
these transportation issues, the Denver Regional Council to 25 year time period. The PPACG region includes
portions of El Paso and Teller Counties, the cities of
of Governments (DRCOG) is developing a long range
2025 Regional Transportation Plan (2025 Plan). The Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and
2025 Plan will include the eight county and 48 Woodland Park, and the towns of Green Mountain Falls,
municipal governments that make up the DRCOG Monument and Palmer Lake.
region. It covers the time period from 2002 through
The initial public involvement phase of Destination 2025
2025. The 2025 Plan is the fiscally constrained
multimodal transportation element of the Denver is completed. Currently, the PPACG is finishing up
work on Destination 2025 Goals and Objectives and is
Region's Metro Vision (preferred) Plan. Adoption of
the 2025 Plan is projected for Summer, 2002. evaluating Destination 2025 project submittals from
member governments. Major issues include safety on
The current DRCOG 2020 fiscally constrained Plan roadways, new roadways and freeways, Springs
provides the base for creating the 2025 Plan. The 2020 Transit Bus Systems, truck routes, bicycle and
Plan identifies six rapid transit corridors, 330 lane miles pedestrian trails, corridor preservation, east-west
of new roads, and 670 lane miles of capacity continued on page 4
Statewide Planning News 3
MPOs Begin 2025 Long Range Transportation Plans continued from page?.
mobility, land use/population/job growth, 1-25 capacity disproportionately faster than the population, an
improvements, increasing efficiency/managing estimated$4.7 billion to construct all projects in the
congestion, and maintenance of the existing system. Vision Plan will be needed to construct and maintain the
transportation system over that time period.
PPACG Destination 2025 Draft Schedule of Activities and
Milestones for 2001: * Updating the RTP from its last planning horizon of 2020
Mid-March—First series of public meetings/focus groups, to the new horizon of 2025 includes a reconsideration of
evaluation criteria. the goals of the 2020 Plan; extending growth
March 21 —First Super-Committee meeting involving projections; identifying necessary transportation
PPACG and technical committees for approval of evaluation improvements,which includes multimodal components;
criteria.
April 18—Open House for review and comment on all reflecting recent planning efforts throughout the region;
potential projects and programs within Destination 2025. refining the project prioritization process; and
Corresponds with the CAC regular monthly meeting. identifying potential funding to implement
April 28-May 5—Second series of public meetings/focus transportation improvements.
groups to present and receive comments on the proposed
Destination 2025 project/program packages. The NFR 2025 RTP includes two plan components, the
Recommendation will be sought for preferred package within Vision Plan and the Financially Constrained Plan. The
fiscal limits. Vision Plan is a complete list of transportation needs
May 16-Second Super-Committee meeting for review and within the region as projected over the next 20 years.
recommendation of preferred project/program package. The Financially Constrained Plan includes the high
Recommendation to Urban Area Policy Committee(UAPC)
and Board of Directors(Board)for release for public priority projects from the Vision Plan that are likely to
comment. be funded based upon the projected financial resources
End of May—Public meeting to receive comments on draft available to the region.
Destination 2025 Plan.
June 13—UAPC/Board to review and approve preferred The public plays an important role in any planning
Destination 2025 Plan. process as citizens will be impacted by transportation
June 25 Begin formal 45-day public comment period for improvements and changes made in the region's 2025
Destination 2025 Plan. Plan. To assure everyone is given an opportunity to
Early/Mid July—Public meeting on Draft/Final Destination participate,public involvement will be solicited at
2025 Plan. several points in the 2025 planning process.
September 12—UAPC/Board Approval of Plan and submittal
to COOT. Final Public Hearing on Destination 2025 Plan.
* Schedule subject to change. NFR 2025 Plan Draft Schedule of Activities and
Milestones for 2001: *
To get involved in PPACC Destination 2025 Plan: May—NFR conducts Draft 2025 Plan public hearing
• Transportation June—NFR to Air Quality Control Commission for
Contact Rob MacDonald, PPACG
conformity determination
Director: (719)471-7080 or rmacdonald@pcisys.net July—NFR Council to approve 2025 RTP
• Go to the PPACG web site at * Schedule subject to change.
http://www.ppacg.org/2025plan.htm
• Attend Public Hearings To get involved in NFR's 2025 Plan:
• Go to the NFR Web site at
North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality http://www.fcgov.com/transportation/nfr-
Planning Council's 2025 Long Range programs.asp
Transportation Plan • Attend Public Hearings (all NFR Council meetings,
The North Front Range Transportation &Air Quality which are held the first Thursday of the month at 6
Planning Council (NFR) is also updating its regional PM, are open to the public)
transportation plan (RTP)through 2025. The region, • Contact NFR staff person Vicky McLane at
comprised of the cities of Fort Collins, Greeley and (970)224-6059 or vmclane@fcgov.com •
Loveland, the towns of Berthoud, Evans, Garden City,
Johnstown, LaSalle,Timnath and Windsor; and portions
of Larimer and Weld counties, expects an annual o
population increase of 2.8 percent between 2000 and
2025. To meet the travel demands that usually grow
Statewide Planning News 4
1-70 PEIS Makes Progress continued from page 1
The MIS analyzed growth problems and a range of h
solutions for improving traffic congestion and safety,
------- -------
which set forth a 50-year vision for the Mountain
Corridor. As the next step,the PEIS will address the
environmental impacts of alternatives identified in the
MIS and any other reasonable alternatives to improve
the safety,congestion, accessibility and mobility In Brief
problems of the 1-70 Mountain Corridor. Transportation
alternatives have been developed within six areas: ❑ Statewide Plan Debriefing - CDOT held a
Highway and Interchange Elements, Fixed Guideway Debriefing for the Statewide Transportation Planning
Transit, Rubber Tire Transit,Alternate Routes, process on January 19,2001. Representatives from the
Transportation Management, and Aviation. Transportation Planning Regions,Metropolitan Planning
Organizations, special interest groups and others
This broad scope, or"Programmatic", EIS will enable involved in the planning process were invited to provide
FHWA and CDOT to address the I-70 Mountain input on the planning process itself
Corridor transportation problems and potential
alternative solutions comprehensively. It is the first tier Breakout sessions included Prioritization; Public
Participation; Values,Vision,Goals& Strategies; Modal
of a sequence of environmental studies, which will
Integration;CDOT Policies;and Local Needs. CDOT is
establish the framework for transportation improvements now reviewing the comments received and will integrate
that identify general locations of changes, modal those comments where applicable into the Guidebook
components, impacts, mitigation,priority of for the Statewide Planning process as it is revised.
improvements, and the level of the second tier
environmental study for each change. The PETS will If you would like to receive a copy of the Debriefing
select an alternative that addresses expected travel comments,please contact George Ventura at(303)
conditions in the year 2020, develop an environmental 757-9495 or e-mail: george.ventura@dot.state.co.us
mitigation program, and create guidelines for
implementing the selected alternative. Subsequent ❑ Public Involvement Evaluation — CDOT is
environmental clearances will be required to implement undertaking a study to evaluation the Public
projects and actions resulting from the PEIS. Involvement piece of the Statewide Planning process.
The goal of the study is to determine how to improve
The analysis for the draft PEIS will take into public participation in the planning process. CDOT is
yworking with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade& Douglas
consideration projected 2020 transportation needs, who will conduct telephone surveys and focus groups in
practicality, and the unique and challenging setting of order to gather information. The study will be
the I-70 Mountain Corridor. The team has completed completed by June 30,2001.
the first level of alternatives screening,eliminating a few
alternative options. Currently, criteria and 2020 travel ❑ Amendment 23 Impacts Transportation
projections are being established for the second level. Funding — Last fall,Coloradoans voted for passage of
Results will be presented at public open houses in early Amendment 23,a constitutional amendment that allows
2001 and the project website(www.i70mtncorridor.com) K-12 education programs to grow at a rate of inflation
is continually updated to display the project status. PLUS 1%. This Amendment inadvertently impacted
funds CDOT receives from Senate Bill 97-001. For the
In late-2001, a draft PETS is expected to be available for first year that Amendment 23 took effect,transportation
a 45-day public review and comment period,during funds from SB 1 were expected to be reduced by
which a public hearing will be held. After incorporation approximately$212 million.
of the public comments, the Final Environmental Impact Recognizing the need to keep transportation projects and
Statement is anticipated to be released in mid-2002. An programs on schedule,the Legislature approved House
additional comment period will also follow. A Record Bill 01-1267 allowing for a transfer from the state's
of Decision will be issued by the Federal Highway Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund into the General
Administration (scheduled for late-2002), which will Fund. This replenishes the state's mandatory 6%
describe the selected alternative that addresses 2020 reserve in the General Fund, making the SB 97-001
transportation needs, mitigation strategies and
implementation guidelines. • continued on page 6
Statewide Planning News 5
In Brief continued from page 5 - . . ,
transfer to CDOT possible. This is essentially a one-
year loan to the General Fund;the funds will be paid
back to the Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund in FY Highlights
2003. The Governor signed the bill on February 13.
❑ Local Needs—The CDOT Division of ❑ April 19, 9 a.m.—Transportation Commission
Transportation Development has begun a research meeting,CDOT Headquarters Auditorium
study project to assess Colorado's long-range local
roadway,street and bridge needs. Funding for Phase 1
of the project is expected to be available on July 1, ❑ April 20, 9 a.m. - noon-STAC Meeting,
2001. The purpose of the study is to develop an CDOT Headquarters Auditorium
analytical framework and methodology to assess the
local roadway transportation needs for inclusion in the
2025 Statewide Transportation Plan. The study is ❑ Please check the CDOT website for upcoming
expected to take 12-18 months. A more detailed Statewide Plan Amendments. Go to:
discussion of the project will be included in a future http://www.dot.state.co.us
newsletter. If you have any questions about the study,
please call Marilyn Beem at(303) 757-9759.
Statewide Planning News is produced by CDOT's Division of Transportation Development, Statewide
Planning Section. Any questions about articles herein, unless otherwise noted, should be directed to:
Jamie Collins at the address below OR
Phone: (303)757-9814 Fax: (303) 757-9727
E-mail: jamie.d.collins@dot.state.co.us Web page: http://www.dot.state.co.us
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Colorado Department of Transportation Denver, CO
4201 East Arkansas Avenue, EP #B606 PERMIT 738
Denver, Colorado 80222
Weld County
County Commis eion Chairman
915 10TH ST
GREELEY CO 80631-1117
Statewide Planning News 6
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