I_TLRC_2017A 11/02/2017 09:02:00 AM Committee Summary

Representative Mitsch Bush called the committee to order. A quorum was present.



09:03 AM -- Presentation from the Colorado Motor Carriers Association



Mr. Greg Fulton, representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA), came to the table to discuss the work of his organization with Truckers Against Trafficking.



























09:05 AM



Ms. Kendis Paris, representing Truckers Against Trafficking, came to the table to discuss the work of her organization. She distributed a brochure and a presentation to the committee (Attachment A and B). She noted that five states now require education regarding trafficking before persons can qualify for a commercial driver's license. She highlighed the various industry supporters of the initiative requiring human trafficking education. She noted that trucker drivers reported over 1900 cases to public safety personnel in 2016. In response to committee questions, she discussed the organizations work with public safety personnel, law enforcement, and truck stop operators. She also discussed the best practices taught to truckers in the training programs.



17Tran1102AttachmentA.pdf Attachment B can be viewed at Legislative Council



09:25 AM



Mr. Greg Fulton, representing CMCA, returned to the table to present on the status of the trucking industry in Colorado (Attachment C). He highlighted the scope and economic impact of the industry in Colorado, with over $5.0 billion of wages in the state. He continued by discussing trucking safety, distracted driving, and the trucking industry's work on the environment. Mr. Fulton noted that the trucking industry pays 33 percent of Colorado's federal and state roadway taxes, but accounts for 5.9 percent of vehicle miles traveled. He stated that the organization's key concerns for the future include: traffic congestion, critical shortage of drivers, truck parking, local regulations and restrictions, greater access and streamlining of the credentialing process, and truck productivity and efficiency. He continued by highlighting issues related to the shortage of drivers, mechanics, tractor-trailer operators, and other related fields.



17Tran1102AttachmentC.pdf



09:39 AM



Mr. Fulton continued by distributing a handout regarding local truck routes to the committee (Attachment D). He discussed CMCA's support of Bill 3. He also noted CMCA's support for Bill 2 and noted that several surrounding states, such as Nebraska and New Mexico, have similar laws. In response to a committee question, Mr. Fulton noted that Colorado's gax and diesel taxes are in the middle range, but that CMCA has expressed willingness to raise the gas tax in Colorado and at the federal level. In response to a committee question, he continued by discussing autonomous and driver-assisted technology in the trucking industry. In response to a committee question, he noted that the CMCA is open to numerous funding ideas, including modifying the specific ownership tax.



17Tran1102AttachmentD.pdf



















09:52 AM -- Presentation from the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission



Commissioner Sal Pace, representing the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, came to the table to update the committee on the background of the commission and the commission's work moving forward. He distributed a copy of the presentation (Attachment E) to the committee. He noted that the commission's purpose still includes the continuation of service for the Amtrak Southwest Chief Rail line. Commissioner Pace continued by discussing why exploring front range rail is important of numerous reasons, including travel options, mobility, and popularity of passenger rail.



17Tran1102AttachmentE.pdf



10:02 AM



Mr. Jacob Riger, representing the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, came to the table to discuss the commission's work on front range passenger rail. He distributed a handout regarding the commission's work to the committee (Attachment F). He discussed the factors that the commission has been examining, including target markets, stakeholder engagement, technology, alignment, and costs. He stated that the commission is looking at potential funding options from such options as federal, state, local, private entities, and passenger fares. He continued by noting the potential governance models and the regulatory environment. He note that the commission is not asking for legislative changes or a complete funding, but may ask for continued support and financial assistance.



17Tran1102AttachmentF.pdf



10:13 AM



Commissioner Pace continued by discussing the commission's next steps. In response to a committee question, Commissioner Pace noted that the state has invested $1.0 million in a TIGER grant and received over $62.0 million in returns. Mr. Riger, in response to a committee question, stated that the work of on project includes possibility of rail from Cheyenne to Pueblo. In response to a committee question, Commissioner Pace noted that the commission recognizes that it needs to work with the freight industry.





10:24 AM -- Presentation from the Regional Transportation District



Mr. Larry Hoy, representing the Board of Directors for the Regional Transportation District (RTD), came to the table and distributed a copy of the presentation (Attachment G) and a brochure (Attachment H) to the committee.



17Tran1102AttachmentG.pdf Attachment H can be viewed at Legislative Council



















Mr. Dave Genova, General Manager and CEO of RTD, came to the table to discuss the financial status of RTD. He also updated the committee on the FasTracks and Eagle3 projects. He noted the current regulatory status for grade crossings and the district's approval process with the Public Utilities Commission. In response to a committee question, he noted that the concessionaire is paying for the cost of flaggers at the grade crossings. He continued by giving an update on RTD’s non-profit program. In addition, he provided an update on the Access a Ride program, which is a large portion of RTD's budget. Mr. Genoa also highlighted the Civic Center Station revitalization and other 16th Street Mall projects. In addition, he noted the new smart card technology and the new mobile ticketing app.





10:57 AM



In response to a committee question, Mr. Genova noted that RTD will lose around $3.0 million by the end of the year due to recent legislation. Ms. Heather McKillop came to the table to answer questions about RTD's budget.





11:01 PM -- Presentation from Public Highway Authorities



Mr. Tim Stewart, representing E-470, came to the table to provide an annual update on E-470. He distributed a copy of the presentation (Attachment I) and a packet of information (Attachment J) to the committee. He stated that E-470 was the first authority in the nation to use all-electronic tolling. He discussed the authority's debt and issuance rating. He highlighted several capital improvement projects underway on the toll road, which he noted that the authority did not issue debt to finance. He noted that the authority is working with CDOT and other entities on technology, such as vehicle connectivity and autonomous vehicles. He also discussed the authority's work as the state's electronic toll provider. In response to a committee question, Mr. Stewart continued by discussing the timelines for various projects and how the E-470 plans to accommodate growth.



17Tran1102AttachmentI.pdf Attachment J can be viewed at Legislative Council



11:21 AM



Mayor Pro Tem Greg Stokes, representing the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, came to the table to update the committee on the activities of the Northwest Parkway (Attachment K). He provided information on the parkway's timeline, an overview of the concession agreement, expansion possibilities, traffic statistics, and toll revenue. He noted that the parkway's concession was sold in 2017 from Brisa to a consortium. He also highlighted the oversight of the parkway, their solar project, and the revamping of the parkway's website.



17Tran1102AttachmentK.pdf

























11:35 AM



Mr. Charles Ozaki, representing Northwest Parkway, came to the table to answer a committee question about truck traffic on public highway authority roads. Mr. Stewart returned to discuss commercial traffic on E-470. In response to a committee question, Mr. Stokes described the electronic toll process for out-of-state visitors.





11:45 AM



The committee recessed for lunch.





01:03 PM



The committee came back to order.





01:03 PM -- Presentation from Denver International Airport



Ms. Stacey Stegman, representing the Denver International Airport (DEN), came to the table to give the committee a update on operations at the airport (Attachment L). She highlighted current travel statistics and noted that DEN has the forth largest domestic network in the United States. She stated that the airport is working on growing its international service. She discussed the current and new domestic and international services offered. She also noted DEN’s future plans, including gate/concourse expansions and a remodel of the great hall. She continued by discussing the DEN real estate project to develop areas around the airport.



17Tran1102AttachmentL.pdf





01:24 PM



In response to a committee question, Ms. Stegman discussed future targeted international flights. She noted that the new gate expansion includes international gates, but they are working on resolving some customs issues to attract new flights. She stated that technology and airport conditions change rapidly and there are building and space challenges. In response to a committee question, Ms. Stegman expanded on DEN's future plans for land use around the airport and DEN's relationships with surrounding local governments.





01:36 PM



Mr. George Merritt, representing DEN, came to the table to answer a question regarding oil and gas operations on land owned by the airport. He noted that revenues from oil and gas leases remain with the airport for airfield maintenance and operation. In response to a committee question, Ms. Stegman noted that 60 percent of the gate expansion cost is covered by the airlines.



















01:41 PM -- Discussion and Approval of TLRC Interim Bills



The committee recessed.





02:00 PM



The committee came back to order.



02:00 PM -- Mr. Greg Fulton, representing CMCA, testified in support of Bill 1. He responded to several committee questions.

02:18 PM



The committee continued by discussing Bill 2.















02:22 PM -- Mr. Greg Fulton, representing CMCA, testified in support in support of Bill 2. He responded to several committee questions.

02:36 PM



The committee continued by discussing Bill 3. Upon committee discussion, Bill 3 was withdrawn.





02:39 PM



The committee continued by discussing Bill 4.



02:40 PM -- Mr. Chris Howes, representing the Colorado Retailers Council, testified against the bill. He responded to several committee questions.

















02:43 PM -- Mr. Chris Stiffler, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment M).



17Tran1102AttachmentM.pdf



02:53 PM -- Ms. Jenifer Brandeberry, representing RTD, came to the table to answer committee questions.



02:59 PM -- Ms. Jan Rose, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



03:02 PM -- Ms. Jenee Donaldson, representing 9 to 5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:05 PM -- Ms. Andrea Chiriboga-Flor, representing 9 to 5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:09 PM -- Mr. Robert Andrews, representing Denver Works Inc., testified in support of the bill. He responded to several committee questions.



03:12 PM -- Ms. Jeannie Chase, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



03:15 PM -- Ms. Deya Zavala, representing Mile High Connects, testified in support of the bill.



03:20 PM -- Ms. Jennifer Saylor, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



03:22 PM -- Ms. Molly Ream, representing Bayaud Industries, testified in support of the bill.



03:25 PM -- Ms. Erin Mooney, representing Cultivando, testified in support of the bill.



03:31 PM -- Mr. Kevin Kelly, representing Bayaud Industries, testified in support of the bill.



03:35 PM -- Mr. Chris Howes returned to the table to answer committee questions.

BILL:	Discussion and Approval of TLRC Interim Bills
TIME:	03:39:17 PM
MOVED:	Esgar
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment N) to Bill 4. The motion failed on a 8-8 vote. 17Tran1102AttachmentN.pdf
SECONDED:	Ginal
		VOTE
	Becker J.	No
	Bridges	Excused
	Buck	No
	Carver	No
	Cooke	No
	Court	Yes
	Esgar	Yes
	Ginal	Yes
	Hansen	Excused
	Hooton	Yes
	Jackson	Yes
	Lawrence	No
	McLachlan	Yes
	Nordberg	No
	Scott	No
	Zenzinger	Yes
	Baumgardner	No
	Mitsch Bush	Yes
YES: 8 NO: 8 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 REMOTE PARTICIPATION: 0 FINAL ACTION: TIE

03:50 PM



The committee adjourned.