S_TRA_2019A 01/22/2019 02:02:32 PM Committee Summary

Lisa Kauffman, representing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), introduced John Gavan and provided some of his professional history (Attachment A). Mr. Gavan expressed his interest in serving on the PUC. He talked about his personal and professional background. He responded to questions from the committee about his impartiality. The committee also discussed Mr. Gavan's experience with rural electric co-operatives, telecommunications, and rural broadband.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee returned to order.

Senator Zenzinger, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-017. The bill changes the process for land acquisitions by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Andy Karsian, representing CDOT, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Karsian responded to questions from the committee about the timeline for CDOT land acquisitions.

Senator Zenzinger explained amendment L.001 (Attachment B). She wrapped up her presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.

Senator Scott, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-018. The bill decreases the age to obtain a commercial driver's license from 21 to 18 if authorized under federal law.

Greg Fulton, representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Fulton responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Scott, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-032.  He provided a fact sheet and amendments L.001 and L.002 (Attachments C, D, and E).  The bill allows a public highway authority or any governmental entity that is in a public-private partnership to apply for a hazardous materials route designation and requires CDOT to conduct a study concerning the transportation of hazardous materials through the Eisenhower-Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

Commissioner Randy Wheelock, representing Clear Creek County, testified in support of the bill with some amendments.

Grier Bailey, representing the Colorado-Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, testified in support of the bill.  He provided two handouts to the committee (Attachments F and G).

Greg Fulton, representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, testified in support of the bill and provided two handouts (Attachments H and I).

Mr. Fulton and Mr. Bailey responded to questions from the committee.

Andy Karsian, representing CDOT, responded to questions from the committee about boring a new tunnel through the I-70 corridor.

Captain John Hall, representing the Colorado State Patrol, came to the table to answer questions.