Dems Improving State Transportation FASTER

Wednesday, March 10 2010

Senators Introduce Bills to Keep FASTER Working Effectively for Colorado

2009: Governor Bill Ritter signs FASTER into law

DENVER—    Today, the Senate State Affairs Committee passed a bill to continue improving the state’s FASTER program. The FASTER bill was signed into law last year to create jobs in Colorado and to address the state’s rapidly deteriorating transportation system.  The bill came as a result of two years of public input from residents, civic leaders, and the business community.  Currently, Colorado has more than 126 structurally deficient bridges, 20% of roadways are in need of replacement, and although over 2 million new vehicles have been added to the state roadways the transportation budget has not increased in 25 years.    It has been important that Democrats listen to feed back from constituents and they sat down to work on improvements. 

Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora) will be sponsoring a bill to address the concerns of citizens in rural communities who use trailers for agricultural use.  Many times these trailers are only sporadically used and so citizens are sometimes late in paying registration fees. HB 1211 will lower the late fee for light trailers and non-motorized vehicles to a maximum of $10. 

“The funds that FASTER is generating are vital for the transportation system, but it’s important that we are sensitive and responsive to certain circumstances to keep FASTER working for the people.” states Senator Williams.

Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) is sponsoring a bill to advance flexibility in FASTER regulations. HB 1212 will require the Department of Revenue to create certain rules that would allow for the waiving of late vehicle registration fees in certain circumstances. This bill will make fees consistent for all motorists, but also permit for flexibility if a citizen’s situation is beyond their control. The committee passed HB 1212 unanimously.

“We just have to ensure that FASTER regulations are being implemented fairly.  Not only is the FASTER program generating millions of dollars to keep Colorado’s roadways safe, it’s generating thousands of new jobs.  It’s a win-win situation for the transportation system and the economy,” stated Senator Schwartz.   

The FASTER program will generate close to $250 million in maintenance funds to ensure that Colorado’s roads, highways, and bridges are safe for Colorado families and visitors.  Construction on safer bridges for the state is set to begin sometime this year and create thousands of jobs. Implementation of the program has been gradual and with registration paid on time, is costing most Coloradans less than 10 cents a day.