Telephone Town Hall Offering Citizens Forum to Talk Transportation in Pikes Peak Region

June 17, 2014 - Southeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 2 - COLORADO SPRINGS – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hosting a telephone town hall next week for people living in the urban areas of El Paso and Teller counties, providing them an opportunity to ask questions and provide input about their regional transportation priorities.

On Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m., people residing in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument and environs 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.

“Since 2007, I have seen CDOT’s budget decline from about $1.5 billion to around $1.2 billion and this significant decrease in transportation funding has forced CDOT to do more with less,” said Colorado Transportation Commissioner Les Gruen. “Despite significant financial constraints, the Pikes Peak Region continues to benefit from major transportation improvements. High profile examples include the widening of I-25 between Woodmen Road and Monument from two to three lanes, and an improved interchange at I-25 and Cimarron, that is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.”

CDOT is hosting the telephone town halls for residents in all 64 counties through the end of the month. Coloradoans 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.