HomeMy WebLinkAbout20182058.tiffJuly 10, 2018
The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
RECEIVED
JUL 10 2018
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Re: Weld County, Colorado BUILD Grant Application - Rural US 85 - Centennial Highway Betterments
Honorable Secretary Chao:
The Weld County Board of County Commissioners would like to express support for the Weld County application under
the DOT's Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program to construct an Interchange at
US 85 and 120th Avenue in Adams County.
It should not surprise you that Weld County is working with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT), Adams County, the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), Commerce City, Brighton,
Thornton, and regional transportation planning agencies to improve US 85. Weld County has been working closely with
CDOT and Union Pacific Railroad on investments to the US 85 corridor these past few years in Weld County. By
utilizing these funds to leverage improvements, you are sharing with the nation something that is unique and special to
this region. A partnership between the county, CDOT, and UPRR, which can be modeled and implemented all over the
nation.
Weld County is the fourth fastest growing Colorado population and ranks third nationwide in job growth. Colorado is
facing significant transportation challenges as a result, especially in rural areas. Overall corridor usage on US 85 has
doubled since the 1990s causing a host of operational and safety issues that interfere with the movement of goods and
people; another doubling in usage is projected by 2040. These increases will continue to exacerbate the challenging
issues faced today. The operational issues of this corridor caused by 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. This also has a negative impact on air quality in the region due to increased emissions.
The US 85 corridor is the transportation backbone of the region and helps alleviate congestion on I-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.
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Weld County's Rural Centennial Highway (US 85) Betterments BUILD application is the best Rural Partnership
application in the nation. Please let us help you implement this significant Safety, Freight and Highway Project by
proactively constructing this critical interchange before it's too late.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Sean P. Conway
Steve Moreno, Chair
arbara Kirkmeyer, Pr i Tem
ie A. Cozad
c: Don Warden
Mike Freeman
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