Roads need $2.5 billion more yearly, panel says

It will take $2.5 billion more each year — 2½ times the average annual roads budget — to make significant transportation improvements in Colorado, a panel studying statewide needs said Thursday.

The Blue Ribbon Transportation Panel appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter is likely now to pare that number before suggesting by Nov. 15 how upgrades can be funded. But the enormous number should put into perspective how serious the needs of state roads are, several members said.

Panel members determined the figure at the end of their seventh and final regional public meeting, held at the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments. El Paso County leaders said that without more money, local commutes would be egregious by 2035, including a 1½- hour drive from Falcon to downtown Colorado Springs.

“I think it’s just a great recognition that the need is immense,” said panel member Dan Stuart of Manitou Springs, a former state transportation commissioner. “I think it’s important to say: ‘That may well be the need, but we need to talk about where the funds come from.’”

The panel was formed to suggest a new way to pay for state roads after gas-tax revenues began to decline in 2005 because of alternative-fuel and fuel-efficient cars. It’s considering methods from raising the gas tax to increasing tolls to charging motorists based on the number of miles they drive.

Commissioners said at a previous meeting they could see asking for revenue increases of about $1 billion a year. Though Stuart did not say the new figure would have to be cut to that level, several commissioners hinted $2.5 billion is too much to expect voters to approve.

Area residents who attended Thursday’s meeting were polled on their thoughts. Responses indicated they would be interested most in raising the gas tax to match inflation or extending the current fiveyear timeout on state government revenue limits, known as Referendum C, to pay for roads.

They may have been persuaded of the need to spend more by new numbers from PPACG showing commuting times around Colorado Springs could triple during the next 28 years. The numbers assume an expected $604 million will be spent on Interstate 25 and Powers Boulevard during that time.

The commute from Falcon to downtown, which currently averages 36 minutes, would skyrocket to 91 minutes in 2035, officials estimated. A current 24-minute drive from Schriever Air Force Base to downtown would take 74 minutes, and the 40-minute trek downtown from Woodland Park would balloon to an hour and 18 minutes.

“It shows us what’s currently funded in the 2035 plan does not provide the quality of life I think people want in this region,” El Paso County Commissioner Wayne Williams said. “And if that’s the case, then I think we need to ask what we should do about it.”

In addition to taxes and fees being discussed, the Colorado State Patrol suggested it could raise $40 million and increase safety by doubling fines on traffic violations.

A study done by the agency found fines in the four states with the lowest fatality accident numbers average three times what Colorado charges. Doubling current fines, which average $33.75 per ticket, would have a “drastic effect” on reducing the state’s 531 roadway deaths in 2006, State Patrol legislative liaison Terry Campbell said.

Some panel members applauded the idea. Others, such as attorney Cas Garcia, said it sets a dangerous precedent.

“In a democratic society, should we use law enforcement to generate revenue for state projects?” Garcia asked. “I would suggest to you the answer is no.”

CONTACT THE WRITER: (303)837-0613 or ed.sealover@gazette.com