Hearing Set for Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
DENVER—On Thursday, May 17, Colorado's Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 – 2022 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
The hearing—which will be held at as part of the Commission's monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave., in Durango—will present information regarding the STIP and summarize public comments received thus far.
"It's part of our planning process, both short-term and long-term," said Colorado Transportation Commission Chairwoman Sidny Zink. "The STIP specifies the projects CDOT is planning to construct or implement over the next four years, as well as the year each project is expected to be budgeted."
A planning and budgeting process begins with the development of long-range transportation plans. After the long-range plans are developed, the STIP is created in cooperation with local governments statewide, including the 10 rural Transportation Planning Regions and five Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
The STIP is readopted annually, right after, or in conjunction with, the development of the long-range Statewide Transportation Plan (SWP). This allows all STIP projects to be aligned with the visions, goals and strategies in the SWP. Following a project's inclusion in the STIP, it can be budgeted within the appropriate fiscal year.
Individuals wishing to speak at the hearing should RSVP by Monday, May 14. Those unable to attend may view the STIP online.
Comments regarding the STIP must be submitted by May 31, 2018. Questions, comments and RSVP information should be submitted to Jamie Collins via email at [email protected], by phone at 303-757-9092, or by mail at:
CDOT Office of Financial Management and Budget
2829 W. Howard Pl.
Denver, CO 80204
Information gathered from the public hearing and during the comment period is reviewed and incorporated to finalize the STIP. The STIP then is submitted to the Commission at its June 2018 meeting for consideration and adoption. If adopted, the STIP is sent to the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration for final approval. If the federal agencies consent, the STIP becomes effective on July 1, 2018.
