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CDOT: Governor's budget keeps CDOT whole in proposal but MMOF general fund transfer faces JBC scrutiny; transit equity bill under review

Transportation Commission (STACK) · November 7, 2025
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Summary

CDOT legislative liaison Emily Hathaway told STACK that the governor’s November 1 budget proposal included no cuts to CDOT but cautioned that the Joint Budget Committee may pursue reductions that could affect MMOF spending authority.

Emily Hathaway, CDOT legislative liaison, briefed STACK on the state budget and pending bills likely to affect transportation.

Hathaway said the governor’s November 1 proposal included no cuts to CDOT: "the big news of the past week is the governor's, budget proposal was released, on November 1. You'll if if you take a look, you'll notice that there were no cuts to CDOT, so that's great news." She cautioned, however, that the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) may still identify deeper cuts and asked STACK and local partners to advocate for preserving MMOF spending authority and the annual general fund transfer that supports MMOF. She said CDOT faces a possible lapse of spending authority for about $51.4 million in cash fund spending authority unless the JBC grants authorization to access those funds.

Hathaway explained MMOF funding sources and risk: the retail delivery fee is statutorily constrained and unlikely to be swept, while the $10,000,000 annual general fund transfer that feeds MMOF could be a tempting target for JBC reductions. She noted that 15% of MMOF revenue goes to CDOT for busting and that staff are seeking continued JBC approval of MMOF spending authority to avoid losing budgeted funds.

On policy proposals, Hathaway summarized a transit equity/access bill being developed with three main elements: (1) mandate a low‑income or partner‑pass program for transit agencies; (2) coordinate with shelters to provide free rides to people experiencing homelessness; and (3) provisions on bathroom access for long‑haul trips and language access at stations. CDOT has not taken a formal position but is discussing fiscal implications, especially for smaller transit agencies and the busting program.

Members asked for continued information and for opportunities to coordinate outreach to JBC members on MMOF and other transportation funding issues.