54DD9DC9C3886B5F87258A3D006B918F Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM FRONT RANGE PASSENGER RAIL DISTRICT

INTERIM COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Oct 3, 2023
Location Old State Library

Presentation from Front Range Passenger Rail District - Committee Discussion Only

Attachment Tag

File Name

AttachmentGFront Range Passenger Rail District Update.pdf

01:34:58 PM

Andy Karsian, General
Manager representing the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD); Board
Chair Jim Souby, representing the FRPRD; Debra Mulvey, board member representing
the FRPRD; Daneya Esgar, board member and commissioner representing the
FRPRD; and Chrissy Bright FRPRD presented information about the district
(Attachment G). Mr. Karsian provided an update on the progress of
district work.

01:35:42 PM

Ms. Mulvey talked
about the creation of the district.

01:36:39 PM

Mr. Souby described
the district, leadership, and stakeholders.

01:40:00 PM

There was a discussion
about partnerships and local coordination.

01:44:04 PM

Mr. Souby indicated
that the district is working with local governments on station planning
and complying with railroad requirements. He talked about connection
with other modes of transportation.

01:44:54 PM

Mr. Souby talked
about application for a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration
for corridor identification and development.

01:45:45 PM

Mr. Karsian provided
information about where the district is today. He outlined the service
development plan, required by the FRA. He indicated that the district
is working with CDOT. Mr. Karsian outlined current work, including
discussions about the purpose and need for the railway, ridership, and
funding.

01:47:33 PM

There was a discusion
about funding for corridor identification through the Infrastructure Investment
Jobs Act (IIJA).

01:48:56 PM

There was a discussion
about the availablity of financing once a route is identified, as well
as other work on financing and the service plan.

01:49:18 PM

Commissioner Esgar
talked about the mechanisms for federal infrastructure funding. She outlined
funding for district operation expenses; employee salaries and benefits;
local government outreach; the district brand and communications; as well
as capacity and expertise to pursue IIJA programs.

01:51:55 PM

Commissioner Esgar talked about the proposed FRPRD bill.

01:55:56 PM

There was a discussion
about counties included in the district, which is currently in the Pueblo
and Colorado Springs areas with possiblity for expansion.

01:58:23 PM

The committee and
presenters discussed the route for the railway.

02:01:07 PM

The discussion on
the route continued.

02:10:46 PM

Mr. Souby discussed
freight rail and the National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

Presentation from Front Range Passenger Rail District - Committee Discussion Only

Colorado General Assembly