[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: FasTracks

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Appelbaum, Matt

Colleagues,

As you know, the US36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition made their annual DC visit last week.  Our main message to the state's entire congressional delegation and the US DOT was that US36 deserves strong consideration for a second TIFIA loan (the soon-to-be-built first phase of construction north to Interlocken is largely made possible by an earlier TIFIA loan) which would complete the project of managed lanes into Boulder.  We also discussed with the congressionals the difficulties of dealing with the BNSF railroad, and asked for their assistance (while congress has little real authority here, a letter of concern and support from the delegation could be helpful).  I think it's accurate to note that we were warmly welcomed by everyone we visited, and several of our delegation were eager to help out.

Although we spent most of two long days wandering the halls (and basements) of congress going from meeting to meeting, we also had some time Thursday morning to hold what became essentially an impromptu MCC meeting, where we fully discussed NW Rail issues and difficulties.  We focused to a large extent on the necessity of getting an IGA with RTD regardless of the chosen path forward, something that our various city/county attorneys are already working on, although with - so far - very little support from RTD.  That led to the drafting of the attached memo to RTD, which you should read before Tuesday's council meeting.

The next MCC meeting is Tuesday (tomorrow) morning, and if anything of interest comes out of it I'll report to you at the council meeting.  I'm attending a Metro Mayors FasTracks task force meeting on Wednesday, and next week the MCC has a meeting arranged with the BNSF.  Our theoretical deadline for reaching MCC consensus is March 1, but unless there is very significant progress on getting crucial information, creating an IGA, and perhaps some movement from BNSF, it appears quite unlikely - and inappropriate - for the MCC to abide by that deadline.

--Matt
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