Boulder County backs Superior’s request for federal funding for Metcalfe Boulevard multiuse trail with amendments

The Boulder County Board of County Commissioners agreed in concept to sign a letter of support for the Town of Superior’s congressional directed spending request to build the Metcalfe Boulevard multiuse trail, and directed county staff to work with the commissioners’ office to add language that emphasizes prioritizing community-based need and social-determinant-of-health projects.

Kelly Ledbetter, grants coordinator in the transportation planning division, said the town requested a letter to submit with a congressionally directed spending request for construction of the trail and that county staff had been provided contact information for Senator Michael Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper’s offices. Ledbetter said it was her understanding that the county’s letter would be the only letter of support being submitted from local government.

A commissioner asked that the final county letter include an explicit prioritization of programs that address human services and social determinants of health; the board voted to approve the concept of signing the letter while directing staff to work with the commissioner’s office to include that language. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners discussed the broader county approach to future congressional directed spending requests and said the county intends to prioritize community-based needs when engaging with congressional offices. Staff will provide an updated draft letter reflecting the board’s direction before final signature.