Mesa County supports I-70 bill

On April 13, 2022, Mesa County wrote to Representative Lauren Boebert in support of her proper bill "To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the significant improvements and potential alternatives necessary to offset extended closures associated with Interstate Route 70, and for other purposes."

The letter states:

Dear Congresswoman Boebert:

I write today in support of your bill “To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the significant improvements and potential alternatives necessary to offset extended closures associated with Interstate Route 70, and for other purposes.”

Western Slope residents and businesses are largely dependent on the ability to traverse the Rocky Mountains and Interstate Route 70 (“I-70”) is the most direct route available. Extended closures affect not only our residents and businesses ability to reach services available on the Front Range and hinder intrastate tourism to Western Colorado but are also hugely impactful to interstate commerce.

I appreciate that the bill specifically requires identification of alternative routes. These alternative routes should be able to fully accommodate the heavy transportation demand currently seen on I-70, including tractor trailers. Redundant routes would:

1. Provide continuity during closures from unpredictable natural hazards such as the severe debris flows seen in 2021;

2. Allow Colorado Department of Transportation (“CDOT”) the opportunity to address deferred and future repairs and maintenance, safely and without congestion or closure that causes long-term delays to the traveling public;

3. Ensure emergency personnel are able to safely and efficiently respond to, and clear, accidents in the Glenwood Canyon; and

4. Reduce congestion during peak travel times.

Once the improvements and alternative routes are identified, it is imperative that they be properly funded to ensure completion in a timely manner.

Thank you for your efforts to bring attention and funding to this important issue that impacts more than 17,000 drivers per day.