Colorado infrastructure projects to receive nearly $112 million in funding from U.S. Dept. of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has provided Colorado with nearly $112 million to support 11 infrastructure projects across the state.
The funds were made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021.
“Through investments like these, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act continue to support Colorado as we work to meet our state’s changing needs – from improving our roadways to strengthening local economies,” said Colorado Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. “I’m grateful that the Department of Transportation heard our calls to support many of these projects.”
The funds were made possible through several DOT grants, including the Rebuilding American Infrastructure and Equity (RAISE) Grant, Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant, and Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant.
Recipients of the grants include the City of Greeley’s mobility enhancements for regional growth and equity project, Otero County’s US 50 SHIFT Project, Commerce City’s East 60th Avenue multimodal connections study, and the City of Fort Collins’ Fort Collins Vine/Timberline rail grade separation project.
Water projects in Grand, Boulder Counties receive $2.4 million in federal funding
House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, has announced $2.4 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for a pair of water projects in Grand and Boulder Counties.
The projects include the Upper Colorado River Ecosystem Enhancement Project to restore two stream reaches on the Fraser River and Willow Creek near Granby and the Boulder Creek Headwaters Resiliency Project to improve and restore sections of the Boulder Creek Watershed near Boulder.
“Local communities are instrumental in protecting and restoring Colorado’s rivers and streams,” said Neguse. “This important funding will support locally driven projects that enhance watershed health and resiliency, restore ecological conditions, and embody the spirit of ecological stewardship.”
Neguse is the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, which includes bipartisan lawmakers from states along the Colorado River Basin.
Colorado House Democrats elect Rep. Elizabeth Velasco to leadership team
Colorado House Democrats have elected Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, to serve as co-whip for the 2025 legislative session, replacing Rep. Iman Jodeh of Aurora, who was recently elected to the Senate.
Velasco joins co-whip Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, who was elected to the position in November.
“I’m honored to have been elected to the leadership team by my caucus, and I am committed to helping us pass legislation that advances our priorities and protects the rights and freedoms of Coloradans,” said Velasco. “As a Western Slope legislator, I will work to ensure voices in my community are heard by championing legislation that will protect Colorado’s waters, combat wildfire threats, and make our state a more affordable place to live. Being the first Mexican-born state representative to serve in Colorado, I know how important immigrants are in communities across our state and the struggles they face. I’m thankful that the Colorado House Democrats have put their trust in me to help guide our caucus as we build on our successes of reducing health care costs, supporting our ranchers and agriculture workers, and protecting the freedoms of all Coloradans.”
Velasco was elected to the House in 2022 and is the first Mexican-born state representative in Colorado, the first Latina legislator from the Western Slop, and the first LGBTQ legislator from Western Colorado. She serves as the Chair of the Wildfire Matters Interim Committee, Vice Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and a member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources and House Appropriations committees.