The DeGette Report

Statement

The DeGette Report

Yesterday, I joined a majority of my colleagues in voting for a transportation funding proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives. This included $16 million that I helped secure for critical transportation and infrastructure projects in the 1st District.

This is an important step in modernizing our transportation network, which has struggled to keep pace with increased use, population growth and new development in Colorado. The funding for the Denver area will go to four projects:

* $6.5 million for the widening of the 56th and Quebec corridor, which will ease traffic congestion for residents of Commerce City, Montbello and Stapleton;

* $5.5 million for the intermodal transportation hub at Denver Union Station, which will include bus, light rail and commuter rail facilities;

* $2.5 million for the widening of I-70 East between downtown Denver and Pena Boulevard;

* $1.5 million for development of a new interchange, including entrance and exit ramps, at I-70 and Havana, which will increase access to the Stapleton development.

As important, the proposal approved future funding for FasTracks. This is a key step for the project to receive federal financial support when construction begins.

In this era of tight budgets and rising deficits, it's important to note that the federal funding for transportation projects is paid for with money raised by the federal gas tax, not general revenue. As we've already seen with T-Rex, which is on time and under budget, these new projects will also help create jobs and strengthen the economy of our region. They are also exciting steps toward developing the integrated system of highways, buses, light rail and trains that we need to reduce congestion and ease travel in the 21st century.

Warmest Regards,

Diana

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