Gov. Ritter increases transportation funding

DENVER - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is asking state lawmakers for a 6 percent increase in transportation funding.

Ritter submitted the request to lawmakers on Monday as part of his $1.03 billion transportation budget proposal for next year.

"As we all know, federal and state transportation revenue has been declining for years, while at the same time transportation demands and construction costs have been increasing," Gov. Ritter stated in a news release. "Our system of bridges, highways and roadways is rapidly deteriorating and becoming a greater and greater safety concern.

"But we lack sufficient revenue to maintain the system we've got," Ritter continued. "And we certainly don't have anywhere near enough to create the modern, 21st century system we need because Colorado has not established secure, reliable or sustainable new funding for transportation in almost two decades."

According to Ritter, 128 of Colorado's bridges and half its roadways are in poor condition. He says thanks to the Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery (FASTER), he believes the state will be able to halt the deterioration of the transportation system and create an infrastructure for a modern transportation system. According to Ritter, FASTER will also save and create thousands of jobs.

Colorado House Speaker Terrance Carroll lauded the move.

"After decades of inaction, today we have action," Carroll stated in the same news release from the governor's office. "FASTER means shovels in the ground and an economic shot in the arm. The people of Colorado want us to make the tough decisions that lead to more jobs, a balanced budget and a strong economy. We're doing just that."

House Republican Leader Mike May, on the other hand, was critical.

"It is disappointing to see the governor celebrating a tax that has taken more money out of so many Coloradans pockets at a time when they have less money," May said. "We are happy to meet him next November when the citizens of Colorado will have their chance to weigh in on this tax."

Ritter says the additional money comes from new fees on vehicle registrations, which are generating an estimated $161 million for bridge and roadway repair and safety work next year.