Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee voted on March 26th to introduce a state spending plan that dramatically reduces transportation spending to close a $1.2 billion shortfall in the state budget. The state spending plan also proposes to eliminate a number of social programs and cuts into state agencies’ operations, and it shifts some costs onto local governments in order to balance the annual budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, beginning July 1st. 

Transportation infrastructure has received some of the biggest cuts, which include:

- $104 million in cuts of transportation earmarks over the next two years;

- $71 million in cuts to transportation grants that had already been awarded to local governments; and

- $7 million cut for Revitalizing Main Street grants to local communities.

While we understand that the state government needs to make difficult decisions to make in balancing our state budget, the proposed budget is concerning for the economic success of Colorado and its residents due to the importance transportation plays in people safely commuting to their jobs and education, and goods and services getting to the people who need it. ASCE advocates for securing adequate, reliable, and sustainable funding for transportation infrastructure at all levels of government and recognizes the need for comprehensive transportation funding sources that ensure the planning, design, operation, maintenance, and enhancement of Colorado’s multimodal transportation system.

The proposed spending plan isn’t final. It’s set to be introduced in the state Senate next week, then must pass in both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly before Gov. Jared Polis can sign it into law. Please send a message to your Colorado legislators asking them not to support the budget plan and to support sustained funding for our state’s transportation systems.