(The Center Square) – The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will send over $100 million to Colorado for 11 different infrastructure projects throughout the state.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., supported the legislation.
“This round means a safer US 50 east of Pueblo, improved intersections and bike lanes, and more connected communities,” Hickenlooper said.
In a press release with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Hickenlooper celebrated the investments from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which will total $112 million.
“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,” Bennet said. “I’m grateful that the Department of Transportation heard our calls to support many of these projects.”
The money will come from various DOT grant programs, many of which received “historic” levels of funding because of those recent funding measures. In many cases, the federal funding will join with state and local funds to fully fund the projects.
The largest amount of funding, $40.5 million, will go to Otero County to fund its “US 50 SHIFT Project.”
Rob Oquist, commissioner chair of Otero County, said that this is a “big step” for the community.
“Adding twelve passing lanes will make the highway safer and help boost the economy in our region,” Oquist said. “This project has been a long time coming and happened thanks to teamwork across all levels of government – from federal leaders to state and local partners. I want to thank everyone who worked together to make this possible.”
The other projects vary in amounts from $29 million to $765,000. Almost all of the grants are going to either counties or cities, though the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority also received $1 million for a highway project.
