S_TRA_2016A 12/22/2016 09:01:29 AM Committee Summary
Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
COMMITTEE ON JOINT TRANSPORTATION
| Date: | 12/22/2016 |
ATTENDANCE
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| Time: | 09:01 AM to 11:57 AM |
Becker J.
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E
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Buck
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E
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| Place: | RM 271 |
Carver
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X
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Cooke
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X
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| This Meeting was called to order by |
Coram
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X
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| Senator Baumgardner |
Esgar
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X
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Garcia
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E
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| This Report was prepared by |
Kraft-Tharp
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E
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| Katie Ruedebusch |
Melton
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X
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Mitsch Bush
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X
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Moreno
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X
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Neville P.
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E
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Nordberg
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E
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Scott
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X
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Todd
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X
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Winter
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X
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Tyler
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E
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Baumgardner
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X
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X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
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| Bills Addressed: | Action Taken: | ||
| Presentation from the Department of Transportation Presentation from the Public Utilities Commission |
Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only |
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The committee was called to order. A quorum was present.
09:02 AM -- Presentation from the Colorado Department of Transportation
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Executive Director Shailen Bhatt came to the table to discuss CDOT's priorities, goals, and budget. He distributed a presentation handout, the CDOT 2016-17 performance plan, and the CDOT monthy EMT L2 scorecard to the committee (Attachments A, B, and C, respectively). Director Bhatt answered several committee questions regarding Utah's transportation funding, the Volkswagon refund, and CDOT's contracting budget.
Attachment A.pdfAttachment B.pdf
09:20 AM
Director Bhatt continued by discussing the department's customer service goals and its FY 2016-17 performance plan (Attachment B). He also noted that distracted driving is the main factor in rising road fatalities. Mr. Josh Laipply, CDOT's Chief Engineer, responded to some questions on current CDOT projects. Additionally, Director Bhatt discussed CDOT's safety initiatives.
09:43 AM
Mr. Laipply continued by discussing road pavement conditions. He also answered several questions regarding road service life and the pavement of bridges. Director Bhatt responded to a question about bonding and noted that potential bond service payments may come out of the paving budget.
10:11 AM
Mr. Laipply continued by discussing commutes and travel time reliability. Mr. Laipply and Director Bhatt answered several questions regarding the use of the new I-70 mountain express lane.
10:27 AM
Mr. Laipply and Director Bhatt continued by discussing CDOT's RoadX projects and CDOT's efficiency projects. Director Bhatt answered a committee question regarding contracting issues, such contractors payment issues. Director Bhatt noted that the process is becoming more efficient, especially reimbursements, and the number of complaints has fallen.
10:34 AM
Director Bhatt continued by discussing CDOT's upcoming proposed legislative initiatives and rule changes. Committee discussion ensued regarding road conditions on the I-70 corridor, potential legislation to address I-70 traffic fatalities, motorcycle fatalities, and primary seat belt laws.
11:11 AM
Committee discussion ensued regarding CDOT's work with contractors, employee pay raises, and the use of consultants. Senator Scott distributed several handouts to the committee (Attachments D, E, F, and G).
161222 AttachD.pdf161222 AttachE.pdf161222 AttachF.pdf161222 AttachG.pdf
11:14 AM -- Presentation from the Public Utilities Commission
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Director Joe Neguse came to the table to discuss the activities of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Director Dean highlighted several new energy projects approved by the PUC and a recent price settlements with Xcel Energy.
11:21 AM
PUC Director Doug Dean distributed a presentation to the committee (Attachment H). He discussed the history of the PUC and the PUC's current staff. He highlighted the PUC's performance goals. He addressed questions regarding formal versus informal PUC complaints and how the PUC interacts with utility customers.
161222 AttachH.pdf
11:31 AM
Director Dean highlighted several ongoing PUC efforts, including energy and economics, telecommunications, transportation, rail/transit safety, and gas pipeline safety. Additionally, he highlighted potential upcoming PUC legislation.
11:40 AM
In response to a committee question, Director Dean discussed the difference between advisory PUC staff and trial PUC staff and noted the ethical guidelines for various staff. Director Neguse addressed a committee question regarding the current PUC Commissioners' terms.
11:50 AM
Dr. Pam Fischhabler, representing the PUC, came to the table to answer a question regarding the status of crossings along the RTD A Line. Director Dean, in response to a committee questions, discussed PUC policies on excavators.
11:57 AM
The committee adjourned.