HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201825.tiffOFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
June 17, 2020
The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary of Transportation
US Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
RE: Commerce City, Colorado US 85/120th Grade Separation - CRISI Grant Application
Dear Madam Secretary,i
We are pleased to provide this letter of support for Commerce City's CRISI grant application for the grade
separation railroad crossing safety project at Highway 85 and 120`h Avenue in Colorado.
The grant will provide for safety improvements to a corridor that has doubled in usage since the 1990s and is
projected to double again by 2040. These increases will continue to exacerbate the challenging operational
issues faced today. The;minimal distance between the highway and railroad have negatively impacted the
corridor's safety, capacity, and mobility with respect to the movement of freight through the region, which in
addition has a negative impact on air quality due to increased emissions.
The US 85 corridor is the transportation backbone of the region and helps alleviate congestion on 1-25 north.
A new interchange at 120th Avenue will significantly improve the safety for all transportation modes serving
numerous communities and industries relying heavily upon the highway and railway to deliver goods and
resources. This project will support the economic vitality of the region by providing a direct connection to
Denver International Airport and improving the movement of freight commodities associated with agriculture,
energy markets (renewable and fossil fuels), and other sectors, reduce barriers separating farm -to -market
workforces from employment centers, and support new commercial and industrial development. Additionally,
it will improve the everyday travel of workers, residents, and visitors, reducing delays and accidents.
Thank you for your consideration of Commerce City's CRISI grant application. We look forward to a strong
partnership between your agency and the community to improve safety for northern Colorado.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mike Freeman, Chair
Kevin D. Ross
CANinnon;coLtions
OCo (@9
&OW-i$as
Hello