February 03, 2011 01:48 AM UTC

One Small Step Toward a FASTER Recovery

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• by: ColoradoConservationVoters

(Where the rubber meets reality – promoted by Colorado Pols)

In an early victory this legislative session, we are glad to see that Rep. Jon Becker decided today to pull his anti-FASTER bill (HB1075). The bill faced strong opposition from a broad spectrum of Coloradans including the very county governments who were the purported benefactors of the bill.

Call it an unwanted solution looking for a non-existent problem. The bill would have taken away $15 million of transit and bike funding.  In fact, the money is already going to local communities and creating jobs, clearing road congestion and also aiding in promoting tourism throughout Colorado.

One of the bill’s targets is new and updated bike lane construction. Many of our smaller mountain towns rely on bike lane construction to not only attract tourists, but to also sustain job growth. Many citizens also count cycling as their primary mode of transportation.

Throughout the metro area, whether it is next to the Platte River or Cherry Creek State Park, bicycle paths provide a leisurely way to see Colorado. These are an economic boon to help rebuild local business.

Anyone who has sat in ski traffic on I-70 can tell you the congestion is a real and growing problem. A study to address the corridor’s congestion was also targeted by this bill.

The funding targeted by House Bill 1075 is also being used to build park-and-ride facilities in local communities like Fort Collins, Wolcott, Thornton and La Plata County.  Park-and-rides are key tools in easing congestion and improving air quality.

Pulling this bill is a step in the right direction, but only one step. The demise of Rep. Becker’s bill should serve as a signal that the political fortunes of the other bills targeting FASTER are rocky at best. Legislators should recognize that repealing FASTER means greater congestion, less transit options, deteriorating highways, fewer jobs and a weakened economy.