Telephone Town Hall Offering Citizens Forum to Talk Transportation in Northern Colorado

May 15, 2014 - Northeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 4 - FORT COLLINS – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hosting a telephone town hall next week for Coloradans living in the urban areas of Larimer and Weld counties, providing them an opportunity to ask questions and provide input about their regional transportation priorities.

On Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m., people residing in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Berthoud, and the surrounding area will be called at random through an automated system and invited to take part in the telephone forum.  Anyone who wants to participate but did not receive a call can dial in, toll-free, at 1-877-229-8493, PIN 112034. Those who choose to join the call will have the chance to express their thoughts and ask questions about transportation.  Participants also will be able to use their keypad to answer live polls.

“My biggest concerns since being appointed to the commission continue to be aimed at the state and federal pies for transportation funding that are shrinking rapidly during a period that we’re experiencing continued growth, congestion, and higher maintenance costs,” said Colorado Transportation Commissioner Kathy Gilliland.  “Because of this, we must look at innovative solutions for new capacity on our highways and interstates including public-private partnerships. I'm also brainstorming with local leaders to help deliver solutions for added capacity on I-25 from Denver to Fort Collins, including an Express Bus service.”

CDOT is hosting the telephone town halls for residents in all 64 counties through June.  Coloradans are being encouraged to join the conversation and express their thoughts on how CDOT should focus its limited funding, discuss the link between transportation and the economy, and weigh in on regional priorities.

“Since I've been a transportation commissioner, I've been amazed at how the state, counties and individual cities and towns came together to implement a flood response and recovery plan,” added Gilliland.  “Today, we're looking at permanent infrastructure in flood damaged areas that will provide multiple uses, be more resilient to future disasters, and will serve as a model for flood recovery across the nation.  We have a lot to be proud of here in Northern Colorado.