IX. Approach to Implementation

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1 IX. Approach to Implementation

2 IX. APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION A. GENERAL APPROACH Gaining access to funds and implementing projects to improve freight mobility in eastern Colorado will require more than the identification of projects and potential funding sources; it will require an approach that combines appropriate local and state support and an organized effort toward project identification, development, and funding. The following are basic principles upon which an approach should be built: Encourage Recognition of Freight Issues To date, freight mobility has not received much attention in either the regional or the statewide transportation planning processes. As a result of this study, it is anticipated that CDOT will establish a statewide freight advisory council to raise awareness of, and to provide input on, freight mobility issues. This council should assist CDOT in providing a focal point to efficiently introduce and advance freight related projects into the statewide planning and funding process. Information discussed and developed by the council should be shared with the transportation planning regions (TPRs) to encourage such projects to be recognized in the development of regional transportation plans. Emphasize the Benefits of Freight Mobility to identify and quantify to stakeholders all of the benefits associated with improved freight mobility. It should be recognized that the beneficiaries are broad-based (both local and multi-state) and multi-modal. The following aspects merit special attention in arguing the case for the recommended corridor improvements: Economic development and agricultural impacts in eastern Colorado. Reduced travel time and improved amenities for motor carriers and automobiles. Diversion of freight traffic from I-25, and other congested roadways, and the prospects for congestion improvement benefiting the metropolitan areas. Possible rail improvements in eastern Colorado which could reduce community impacts and which could allow Front Range corridors to be used for transit purposes. Multi-state and national benefits that could be used to attract federal funding. In order to justify the need to improve freight mobility in eastern Colorado and to support the mechanisms necessary for development of the corridor recommendations established in this study, it will be important Colorado Department of Transportation IX-1 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

3 Support Creative Use of Traditional Funding The order of magnitude of the recommendations resulting from this study is such that additional funding beyond that currently identified would undoubtedly be needed. Although this implies that new sources of funds may need to be tapped, it is important to recognize that freight mobility can be improved as an adjunct to the regular highway improvement program, often simply by introducing freight priorities into various funding aspects of the ongoing improvement program. This opportunity reflects the fact that freight-oriented aspects of highway projects often comprise only small, specific elements of general roadway improvements. Therefore, careful consideration of creative use of traditional funding sources could go a long way toward implementation of the recommendations. Promote Local Involvement Because improvement projects such as those recommended in this study must be recognized in regional transportation plans in order to be funded, awareness of, and involvement with, freight issues must be promoted at the local level where the regional plans are developed. Furthermore, local support will be critical to gaining support of elected officials at the state level for expanding traditional funding sources and for pursuing new sources to allow implementation of freight mobility improvements. Colorado Department of Transportation IX-2 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

4 B. NEXT STEPS Although it should be recognized that implementation of the recommendations of this study is likely to be a long-term program, there are a number of efforts which could be initiated in the near future to ensure that progress begins toward implementation. A number of these are outlined below NEXT STEPS 1. Pursue Designation of the Heartland Expressway Work with adjoining states to reach agreement on a joint designation of the Heartland Expressway. Work with the Colorado congressional delegation to formally recognize the recommended designation of the Heartland Expressway. 2. Pursue Recognition of Study Recommendations in Regional and Statewide Transportation Plans Establish the statewide freight advisory council to continue discussions of freight related issues. Conduct reviews of the corridors recommended in this study to identify improvement needs in greater detail. Encourage the transportation planning regions to prioritize the needs in these corridors and to incorporate the improvements as projects in their regional transportation plans. With the input from the TPRs, amend the statewide transportation plan accordingly. 3. Pursue All Potential Funding Mechanisms to Incrementally Implement Improvements Encourage inclusion of the primary corridors in the proposed 8 th Pot of Strategic Projects. Consider Regional Priorities funding for freight improvements as supported by the TPRs. Encourage application of the regular surface treatment and maintenance programs to the recommended corridors. With the designation of the Heartland Expressway, apply for Corridors and Borders (CORBOR) Program funding for this corridor. Expand the capabilities of the State Infrastructure Bank to assist in funding improvements in all modes of freight transportation. Explore other creative uses of traditional funding and other potential new sources as outlined in the Options for Funding section. Colorado Department of Transportation IX-3 Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

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