[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6057571,"mediaKeyId","3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1","parentId",3303659,"title","Mountain Rail signs Moffat Tunnel lease renewal with Union Pacific; Winter Park Express expansion draws 40,000 riders","audioSeconds",399,"startMs",7298000,"endMs",6899000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1&start=7298&end=6899","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1/thumbnail_7298000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6057571/Colorado/Mountain-Rail-signs-Moffat-Tunnel-lease-renewal-with-Union-Pacific-Winter-Park-Express-expansion-draws-40000-riders","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057571-a1867198eab68963097590c2050bf5be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922502&Signature=PZXFhSbQkTFIPAyfES-XVDv7Y2WCPu4jJrFIc7wFyvNwIW7qri9D~uPX5wWUAl3IAlWGBp3CPG8rgJ4uVPehU9D4lm~BPCZJzJUHs9jXiAgqLW8P5R9znczhIJ9xyNCwTeyLq-jaZlCzf-zfEbZmPPGrkBsdo6AA3pf-4gNwdVxmtvfLcf6ZGSWTisDmlcBLdQdykKis8u0Y4pvxTp8WaY50Bo2k5w09bgeTMT4WShAMs4YMoMowKj8P0C6L2ANV7JRXVD9cjx2A7u20t6cO6ETdpJbKcgyUN4~tKuYCldeAbo0bsgngDRAGiYTDkTdFMOnv5nsFaOT28unhDKhYcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado Department of Transportation","date","2025-05-14T20:53:06Z","article","Moe Sullivan, CDOT assistant director for passenger rail, told the Transportation Commission on May 14 that CDOT has finalized a renewal of the Moffat Tunnel lease and a use agreement with Union Pacific that permits passenger service through the tunnel and allows up to three round trips, a milestone Sullivan described as the result of an unusually rapid negotiation.

Sullivan also reported that Winter Park Express service was extended for the 2024–25 season, with more departure days, more capacity and lower fares; CDOT and Amtrak recorded roughly 40,000 passenger trips this season compared with about 17,000 in the prior season. The success of the expanded Winter Park service was cited as evidence that increased frequency and lower fares drive ridership.

Service development plan (SDP) and phasing: Sullivan said the SDP for the Mountain Rail corridor (Denver–Craig) is funded with state dollars and follows FRA SDP standards; phase 1 aims to add a round trip from Denver to Granby by the end of 2026. The SDP will also examine station locations, fleet needs and infrastructure requirements, including whether Positive Train Control (PTC) and ventilation or spacing constraints in the Moffat Tunnel require specific infrastructure investments or operational spacing.

Moffat Tunnel ventilation issue: Sullivan explained that the tunnel is an older structure without modern ventilation; as a result, a train separation (she cited approximately 20 minutes) is currently required between trains passing through the tunnel to allow gases and fumes to dissipate. Sullivan said engineering or operational solutions could alter that constraint but that current agreements rely on time separation.

Station actions: most communities along the corridor have passed station resolutions supporting Mountain Rail and committing to station area planning; Steamboat Springs and West Metro station locations will undergo additional station‑location studies.

What’s next: finalize the SDP this summer, host an additional open house (planned mid‑June), begin station location studies for West Metro and Steamboat, identify operators and rolling stock, and start implementation work toward a phase‑1 service to Granby by late 2026.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation Commission Workshops 051425","oneSentenceSummary","Moe Sullivan, CDOT assistant director for passenger rail, told the Transportation Commission on May 14 that CDOT has finalized a renewal of the Moffat Tunnel lease and a use agreement with Union Pacific that permits passenger service through the tunnel and allows up to three round trips.","taxTitle","Transportation Commission, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",27826,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057582,"Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise closes $226M bond deal; staff to seek budget amendments for debt service and project supplements",322,5110000,5432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1&start=5110&end=5432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1/thumbnail_5110000.jpg","/articles/6057582/Colorado/Bridge-Tunnel-Enterprise-closes-226M-bond-deal-staff-to-seek-budget-amendments-for-debt-service-and-project-supplements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057582-5b0081c9188e73bd245cd4ff31aaa739/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922502&Signature=Hjj9sFRpzVQXxo19VtEE5mJrzCMAFhKyD9OkuKzkAihwaWuJY3EXS~h1Rmxf~rN-U1SF5kMHMtFj86dST1c3MQNZHx34nTBa2GUTgENs8lvcjmHwTk8vPSYxlocz5iBTSWXRfvoCOlFTxZtKejoXUnaPb8EHQWyuH24Zwo~xo7CoRSpJrtfx8rbnsNpiO98eDzX8eF3sjQNry7tdLMmQckagkgvRTpGzvuw2wfz7Ig8a000xnQ2wPQKKRdkkBhfrGNqupJX6haxm0H7ERNaa2g6UCnOz-fLExZep~FxO3K1KSvMzAo1d-pPKqwvbaZlDn4boyO9DpkqFfOjuUwngdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Patrick Colenda, managing director for the Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise (BTE), told the Transportation Commission on May 14 that BTE completed a bond pricing on April 22 and closed the transaction last week, generating slightly more than $226 million in bond proceeds to support CDOT’s 10‑year plan projects.

Colenda said the bonds carry a 30‑year term with a final maturity of December 2054 and an all‑in true interest cost (TIC) of 5.01 percent. The presentation showed a total repayment cost of roughly $474 million, about $22 million higher than the team’s April 3 forecast; the bonds carry an optional par call provision beginning in December 2034.

Budget action requested: Colenda said BTE needs a budget supplement to record delivery‑date expenses (cost of issuance, underwriting, insurance and related fees) totalling about $1.657 million (presented as $1,657,250.35) and to reallocate FY25 budget authority to cover the first debt service payment, which is due June 1 and falls into FY25. The board was told the delivery costs will be reflected in administration and operations, while the capital construction project fund will receive the remainder of the proceeds.

Project supplement: Region 1 requested $3,308,866 in BTE funds (Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise faster bridge safety surcharge) to begin construction for the I‑70 East bridge repair package in Arapahoe County; the overall package would address four bridges and extend service lives by an estimated 20–30 years. Colenda said two of the targeted bridges are rated “poor” and prioritization analyses justify near‑term repair; an estimate for structure replacement if deferred was presented at roughly $21 million.

Next steps: staff will present formal budget supplement and amendment requests at the next day’s meeting (to record the transaction and move funds into the correct cost centers), coordinate with OFMB to update CDOT’s allocation plans, and return in July to amend FY26 budget lines to include future debt service obligations. Colenda said the team is planning a third tranche of BTE financing in late 2026 or early 2027 based on cash flows and project timing.

","Patrick Colenda, managing director for the Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise (BTE), told the Transportation Commission on May 14 that BTE completed a bond pricing on April 22 and closed the transaction last week, generating slightly more than $226 million in bond proceeds to support CDOT’s 10‑year plan projects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057591,"Front Range Passenger Rail district outlines SDP timeline, 2029 pilot goal and $3.2 billion long‑term estimate",303,433000,736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1&start=433&end=736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1/thumbnail_433000.jpg","/articles/6057591/Colorado/Front-Range-Passenger-Rail-district-outlines-SDP-timeline-2029-pilot-goal-and-32-billion-longterm-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057591-01813ec05de4900633de1bd737d17d13/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922502&Signature=LxDctojmgvhWEyySS1cFL-3CkD0mnAImi6fLwzZd1vphVuq4wNSyppCPuI1q2Zz5LasJ7R9k5OjkSeQQQpzQIa9lh5RD4KdcTaZvclVvxmQy5nQD5aApjW4lZgyHch4EHenkTPjJRPcjecylSdczVF9Jx~lPVjHCzO53znFBHQEF20~466KeLjn~JgnewipFCag6Nk7NLu94E-JW~6VePEZZKkA86q3NuBSDWtAIEck7jjRmbDkmoy9SJT~yUvCROK25~RlK6OauE4unp5PzT3ZtP7~9Qul6~7aazYN~g4Kmc8IV5nvJDO3PdcDXAyJsOjKiL3HaqdXaDIhoKzm9Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Front Range Passenger Rail District interim general manager Chrissy Bridal told a joint meeting of the Transportation Commission, the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) board and the Colorado Transportation Enterprise (CTE) on May 14 that the district’s service development plan (SDP) will be finished this year and that the district is aiming to begin an initial phase of service by 2029.

The district “was created through the legislature through senate bill 21 2 38,” Bridal said, adding that the district has statutory authority “to plan, design, finance, construct, and operate interconnected North South passenger rail system along the Front Range” and, after voter approval, the ability to levy taxes to fund the system.

The SDP, Bridal said, is a comprehensive pre‑NEPA planning document that charts route alternatives, station markets, phasing and costs and is intended to show the Federal Railroad Administration and other stakeholders that the project is feasible. “We are right now in the midst of a public engagement opportunity,” she said, noting an online open house that runs through June 15.

Why it matters: the Front Range corridor connects multiple labor and economic centers; planners said passenger rail can provide an alternative to driving, relieve congestion, and support air‑quality goals while creating construction and operations jobs.

Most important details: Bridal described a long‑term vision that would ultimately connect Colorado to New Mexico and Wyoming and said the district’s short‑term goal is initiating service between Denver and Fort Collins. Planning assumptions cited in the presentation include a maximum operating speed of 79 mph and a projected end‑to‑end Fort Collins–Pueblo “golden run” travel time of roughly 3 to 3½ hours under a full‑corridor build.

Bridal and CDOT staff described an alternatives analysis that recommended a “full build” scenario (labeled alternative 3) with up to 10 round trips in the long run (target year cited: 2045). Separately, Bridal shared an early financial modeling figure for a 6‑round‑trip operating scenario that estimated long‑term capital and operating costs “in 2024 dollars” at about $3.2 billion.

Ridership patterns shown in the presentation emphasize shorter origin–destination flows concentrated in northern portions of the corridor (Boulder–Fort Collins to Denver) and trips between southern markets and Denver, rather than large numbers of full‑corridor travelers. Bridal said planners expect initial service to reflect demand concentrations and to phase up frequency over time.

What’s next: finish the SDP this year, continue federal and railroad coordination, and use the SDP to support future environmental (NEPA) work and funding applications. Bridal and others emphasized that host‑railroad agreements and negotiated access with freight railroads will be necessary before construction or operations proceed.

Ending: the district’s staff and board representatives are continuing public outreach and technical work; Bridal invited commissioners and the public to the open house and said the SDP and related materials will guide next‑step negotiations with freight railroads and funders.

","Front Range Passenger Rail District interim general manager Chrissy Bridal told a joint meeting of the Transportation Commission, the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) board and the Colorado Transportation Enterprise (CTE) on May 14 that the district’s service development plan (SDP) will be finished this year and that the district is aiming to begin an initial phase of service by 2029.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057587,"State, RTD and Front Range planners push joint‑service IGA to negotiate single access agreement with BNSF",1085,1750000,2835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1&start=1750&end=2835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1/thumbnail_1750000.jpg","/articles/6057587/Colorado/State-RTD-and-Front-Range-planners-push-jointservice-IGA-to-negotiate-single-access-agreement-with-BNSF","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057587-6495305800e1a0ae3eaba2631b4648a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922502&Signature=IRX1HwgKKZ8Z16jT1tDwCEhagpEguDQ8QkJPsIzkPri8LIbXChuKckvbPaMgPdfH5RCyMn1dg~BNDbidSIB0bZIsn5BS0IyAKvX14qXT5JPUM6oTTeTeA0E79RNHI8AAlMWUNAJumhb0HVn994DSlRlegtw6lmh92a4ozd5dCfONRqBaDAPbSQna4~p8LD~y6y0CncblzdP5T6PFC0ebkD8ijs5hy56ui-73z2P9dnzDAzhritN20i1z6BJoyKM2aqnBG-ErsZqzIBd0iDNmv~HJ7aNTG93kHhRYYzwyDe-CKSRMpt9tLNuJYB0fF3ZnlT12UmFIQZifVejx0sTyUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lisa Kaufman, senior strategic adviser to the governor, told the Transportation Commission on May 14 that the governor’s office and partner agencies are pursuing a joint‑service intergovernmental agreement (IGA) so multiple public rail initiatives can negotiate with BNSF as a single party and reduce cost and operational complexity.

“We recruited Diane out of retirement last August to come lead this effort,” Kaufman said, describing the IGA work and the effort to present a single negotiating front to Class I railroads. Diane Barrett, who co‑presented, said the group chose an IGA rather than forming a new authority because it is faster, less costly and preserves each agency’s separate powers.

Why it matters: multiple public passenger services (RTD’s Northwest Rail, Front Range Passenger Rail District and mountain rail efforts) plan to use the same freight corridor; BNSF has made clear to state staff that it prefers to negotiate with a single public entity on access, scheduling, maintenance and liability. Kaufman said joint planning reduces duplication and lowers cost for all participating public entities.

Key elements: the proposed joint service oversight committee would initially be six members — the governor or designee, the CDOT executive director (or designee), the CTE executive director, the CTIO executive director, the RTD general manager/CEO and the Front Range Passenger Rail District interim general manager — and it will operate under a majority‑plus‑one voting rule until a finance plan is adopted. The IGA includes a provision for weighted voting tied to contributions that remains under discussion.

Timeline and conditions: Kaufman and Barrett asked that each originating board consider and (if ready) adopt the IGA in June or July. If adopted, the parties would commence a single set of negotiations with BNSF for one access agreement and one operator, then return to the originating boards with a finance plan and appropriation request after negotiated costs are known. Kaufman emphasized the plan is “fully contingent” on satisfactory negotiations with BNSF.

Financial framing: staff emphasized that the joint‑service approach aims to lower the cost of initial service (early phases of many inner‑city passenger rail systems start at two or three round trips) and to use state fees and federal funding as available while reserving a voter funding option for full buildout. Barrett noted attorneys from all agencies have worked together early in the process to reduce last‑minute legal conflicts.

What’s next: adopt the IGA (originating boards), begin negotiations with BNSF, develop an access agreement, prepare an infrastructure list and produce a finance plan; if negotiations fail, the IGA carries no binding appropriation obligation.

","State and regional leaders presented a draft intergovernmental agreement (IGA) designed to let RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, CDOT, CTIO and CTE negotiate a single access agreement with BNSF and pursue joint service; staff requested originating boards adopt the IGA this summer to start negotiations and said any appropriation will follow actual",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057578,"Fuels Impact Enterprise board to fund I‑70 Deer Trail bridge repairs and regional paving; first local distributions are under way",405,5848000,6253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1&start=5848&end=6253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3303659-576333f5cb1691113f083a3836e19db1/thumbnail_5848000.jpg","/articles/6057578/Colorado/Fuels-Impact-Enterprise-board-to-fund-I70-Deer-Trail-bridge-repairs-and-regional-paving-first-local-distributions-are-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057578-d14ad4781b761358d1f8245e6cd90602/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922502&Signature=MiAx2hKl0rhES7xWeLUqWzEOsbU5xUEHcQtq2bp1Az3us3dM8rZFDjkouwRCSr8Aa36MxL~Nz7L5DRbyZpgYWYEzQw3PgtCSOfhvCqTp3lRkQbppHjsHQLE4YZtBfG36E2EmJcIrbW61Gynmw8mJlgJce-3Q6huxWr0JF0ABmZo8ae-YwLZSJTNFYR~hYXjhI~WuX~Rkrmh8rKVl5wKYbgeBLPuv3GOlbaPtgnmd7GVnEJibotL36U-HNpzM9uYBTaSipiVbS-sEZNNgMmAb2TPXA0T68lzCcTaAbvNTZJSMiOkjPtEVL86-P7AojLfO-TD2MOIImsLlD6UqGqMvoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craig Hurst, presenting for the Fuels Impact Enterprise, told commissioners on May 14 that the enterprise — created in 2023 to impose an impact reduction fee and fund projects that mitigate fuel‑distribution impacts — has begun distributing its first allocations to the five statutorily identified local governments and is preparing a set of state freight projects.

Hurst said the statutory framework (cited as CRS 43‑4‑15‑06 in the presentation) directs the first $10 million collected to five local governments that are affected by fuel distribution, with additional allocations available for state freight and hazmat‑route projects. CDOT staff reported that full FY24 collections were available and that Mesa County and Otero County are receiving initial payments; El Paso County, Adams County and the City of Aurora were in final IGA review at the time of the briefing.

Project proposals: staff asked the board to consider two near‑term project groups. First, a request to use fuels funds for I‑70 Deer Trail bridge repairs (two BTE structures described as rated “poor” are included) — the Fuels Impact Enterprise request was for $7 million of roughly $9.5 million total estimated cost; BTE would contribute remaining funds. Region 1 staff estimated the repairs would extend those bridge service lives by 20–30 years and enable an anticipated July advertisement and calendar‑year‑2025 completion.

Second, staff proposed a combined $2.5 million to Regions 2 and 3 for pavement projects focused on the worst‑condition freight routes, expected to pave roughly 15–20 miles and supplement existing regional pavement programs.

Fiscal rules: staff recommended the board adopt Policy Directive 703 (PD703) to provide fiscal rules consistent with other CDOT enterprises, and noted that in‑kind contributions would be credited when developing weighted contribution calculations for any joint projects.

What’s next: finalize IGAs with the five local governments, disburse FY24 and FY25 allocations, and bring formal project funding requests and PD703 adoption language to the Fuels Impact Enterprise board for decision.

","CDOT staff briefed the Transportation Commission about the newly created Fuels Impact Enterprise program and proposed first round of projects: an I‑70 Deer Trail bridge repair package (request $7 million from fuels funds, total project ~ $9.5 million) and pavements for Regions 2 and 3 (combined request $2.5 million); staff also asked the board to","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mountain Rail signs Moffat Tunnel lease renewal with Union Pacific; Winter Park Express expansion draws 40,000 riders

Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise closes $226M bond deal; staff to seek budget amendments for debt service and project supplements

Front Range Passenger Rail district outlines SDP timeline, 2029 pilot goal and $3.2 billion long‑term estimate

State, RTD and Front Range planners push joint‑service IGA to negotiate single access agreement with BNSF

Fuels Impact Enterprise board to fund I‑70 Deer Trail bridge repairs and regional paving; first local distributions are under way