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PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON JOINT SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY AND HOUSE TRANSPORTATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
| Date |
01/27/2021 |
| Attendance |
| Arndt |
* |
| Catlin |
* |
| Coram |
X |
| Donovan |
* |
| Froelich |
X |
| Gray |
X |
| Hisey |
X |
| Hooton |
* |
| Pettersen |
X |
| Pico |
X |
| Rich |
X |
| Scott |
X |
| Sullivan |
X |
| Valdez D. |
* |
| Van Winkle |
* |
| Zenzinger |
X |
| Exum |
X |
| Winter |
X |
|
| Time |
02:09:45 PM to 05:31:24 PM |
| Place |
Old State Library |
| This Meeting was called to order by |
Winter |
| This Report was prepared by |
Annie Kitch |
|
| Hearing Items |
Action Taken |
| hCall to Order and Introductions |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from the Colorado Department of Transportation Pursuant to the SMART Act |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission and Colorado Association of Transit Agencies |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from the Regional Transportation District |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from the Colorado Energy Office on Transportation Emission Reduction Goals |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from E-470 |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPresentation from the Accountability Committee, Regional Transportation District |
Committee Discussion Only |
|
|
Call to Order and Introductions - Committee Discussion Only
Presentation from the Colorado Department of Transportation Pursuant to the SMART Act - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
02:12:41 PM |
Senator Winter introduced
Director Shoshana Lew from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Director Lew introduced Karen Stuart, Chair of the Transportation Commission,
who reviewed CDOT and the Commission's organizational structure. Director
Lew presented the department's 2021 performance plan which includes the
department's wildly important goals (WIGs).
|
|
02:47:45 PM |
Stephen Harrelson,
Chief Engineer, continued the presentation with an overview of the department's
plan to provide more transparency and accountability with projects and
recent project cost savings. Director Lew provided an overview of the department's
budgetary agenda. The presenters responded to questions from the committee.
|
Presentation from the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission and Colorado Association of Transit Agencies - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
03:34:03 PM |
Jill Gaebler with
the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission (FRPR), presented the commission's
2021 plan and long range vision. James Souby continued the presentation
and provided an overview of the commission's current and upcoming efforts.
Ms. Gaebler and Mr. Souby responded to questions from the Committee.
|
|
03:55:09 PM |
Ann Rajewski, Director
of the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), presented on CASTA's
efforts to improve transit across the state. Director Rajewski also mentioned
that enhancing rural transit is a high priority in Colorado and that CASTA
is continuing it's efforts to expand transit in rural communities. She
responded to questions from the committee.
|
Presentation from the Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
04:03:50 PM |
Angie Rivera
Malpiede, Board Chair for the Regional Transportation District (RTD), provided
an overview of RTD's organizational structure and efforts to enhance transit
across the Denver Metro Area during 2020. Debra Johnson, General Manager
of RTD, discussed the agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial
implications of the pandemic, and the agency's customer-focused efforts.
Ms. Johnson also discussed the adopted fiscal policy plan for a balanced
budget, including renegotiating purchase contracts and furlough days.
|
|
04:16:32 PM |
Ms. Johnson shared
that COVID relief funding provided personal protective equipment, cleaning
supplies, and salaries. An additional $203 million was received from the
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act
for transit
operations, recalling laid off employees and rescinding furloughs, and
providing supplemental service on busier routes. Ms. Johnson highlighted
that RTD is implementing an Access-a-Ride portal. In addition, ride hailing
for FlexRide will be coming in February. This service provides first
and last mile ride services. Ms. Johnson also talked about the Auraria
College Eco Pilot Program which provides fare discounts to students during
the 2021 spring semester.
|
|
04:25:11 PM |
Ms. Johnson also
talked about the Northwest Rail Line. RTD will be collaborating with Front
Range Passenger Rail and is open to discussing the line with stakeholders.
Ms. Johnson and Ms. Rivera-Malpiede responded to a questions.
|
Presentation from the Colorado Energy Office on Transportation Emission Reduction Goals - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
04:31:27 PM |
Will Toor, representing
the Colorado Energy Office, discussed transportation emission reduction
goals. Mr. Toor provided a roadmap of transportation emissions. Transportation
is now the largest source of emissions, overtaking electric power generation.
In addition, air quality standards are at risk. Director Toor covered
Colorado based Greenhouse Gas targets and near term actions to reduce transportation
pollution.
|
Presentation from E-470 - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
04:44:45 PM |
Tim Stewart, Director
of the E-470 Highway Authority, presented on E-470's work plan, traffic
trends over the last eight years, the authority's debt, and 2040 traffic
projections. Director Stewart also discussed the Authority's current projects
and the economic impact of E-470 in the Denver region. Chaz Tedesco, Board
Chair of the authority, discussed efforts to ensure that new routes are
equitable and serve drivers transporting or delivering goods. Director
Stewart and Commissioner Tedesco responded to questions from the
committee.
|
Presentation from the Accountability Committee, Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
05:10:59 PM |
Crystal Murillo and
Elise Jones, Co-Chairs of the Regional Transportation Accountability Committee,
introduced themselves. Ms. Murillo provided an overview of committee members,
the committee mission, and committee's strategic goals. Ms. Jones discussed
the timeline for compiling recommendations. Ms. Murillo provided
an overview of the Finance, Governance, and Operations subcommittees that
make up the Accountability Committee. Ms. Jones closed by discussing the
committee's preliminary equity report and legislative recommendations for
improvement. Ms. Murillo and Ms. Jones responded to questions from the
committee.
|
| 05:31:24 PM |
The committee adjourned. |
