Economic Council appreciates the excellent work of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in the preparation of the Northwest Corridor EIS.
Realizing that a regional transportation solution is needed, CDOT in 2003 undertook the very difficult task of preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to fully analyze options which would accommodate existing and future residential and business growth in northern Jefferson County.
In an effort to be fair and inclusive to all concerned civic leaders, CDOT took the unprecedented step of fully analyzing a total of 73 alternatives.
That's right - 73 alternatives! The point being that there was complete openness and transparency to the entire process. There was absolutely no prejudgment that a particular alternative would best accommodate existing and future growth. Through this process, it was determined that the best alternative was to complete the beltway. JEC concurs fully with this sensible and appropriate solution.
On June 9, CDOT decided bring the EIS project to an early conclusion and essentially end the process.
The fact is that without identified and adequate funding to construct the regional beltway connection, it was impossible for CDOT to complete the EIS and begin construction.
Essentially, the CDOT Transportation Commission has directed all available and limited funds to safety and surface-quality improvements.
Future capacity needs will be advanced only as funding becomes available, and based on current estimates; CDOT anticipates transportation funding to deteriorate in future years at both the state and federal level.
Fortunately there is light shining at the end of this tunnel.
The good news is that all of the work that was completed by CDOT will be made available to the public in July 2008 in a study titled The Northwest Corridor Transportation and Environmental Planning Study.
Additional good news is that the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority will be able to use this study, and they are looking to fund road construction and operation through tolling, for the section of road north of Golden.
They are not seeking state funding, federal funding or to tax residents.
The use of the toll road would be optional and no existing roads would be closed. The road through Golden would remain a four lane road, open to travel without tolls.
Jefferson County, a county of some 540,000 residents, and a workforce in excess of 300,000, says goodbye to half of this workforce each and every day.
This is commonly referred to as a "jobs/housing" imbalance. This jobs/housing imbalance causes undue stress, road congestion and air pollution.
The clear and sustainable solution is to provide employment in the community in which the citizens live. When completed, the beltway will provide mean an additional 17,000 jobs in Jefferson County and approximately $9 billion of additional positive economic impact, not to mention tens of millions of dollars for open space and schools. Our analysis shows that housing will come to this part of Jefferson County regardless of beltway completion.
There is a great need to bring jobs to the community at the same time.
Not only is the proposed beltway the clear winner and sustainable solution for the economy, it is also a sustainable solution for the environment. At a time when many believe that the earth is warming, it is sensible that we minimize greenhouse gas emissions and shrink our carbon footprint. By creating a vibrant community with jobs, schools, shopping opportunities and recreational options close to home, trips will be shortened and there will be less air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This will only happen with construction of the beltway.
Another point not often mentioned is that Highway 93 is not the safest road in Colorado. In fact, Jefferson County Sheriff
Ted Mink indicates that certain stretches of Highway 93 between Golden and Boulder have been designated as "high accident areas" by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Traffic Unit. Sheriff Mink states further that he believes "the expansion of the beltway will improve public safety through safer traffic movement."
In conclusion, we applaud the lengthy and significant work of the Colorado Department of Transportation in analyzing 73 alternatives for addressing traffic needs in northern Jefferson County. When CDOT's report is released in July, the analysis will be used to complete the beltway. After 50 years, we sincerely believe it's time to build the rest of the beltway and give future generations a better chance of economic success close to home. Learn more at BWayNow.com.
Preston Gibson
President, Jefferson Economic Council