Gov. Polis signs bill to add $30 million to CDOT safer streets programs

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Legislative allocation comes on top of CDOT’s $59 million, 30 project Safer Main Streets announcement in December

CoPIRG

DENVER – Governor Polis signed SB21-110 dedicating an additional $30 million to Colorado’s Safer Main Streets and Revitalizing Main Streets programs. CoPIRG supports the additional money for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, increase support for all modes of travel, and improve access and mobility for all residents on Colorado’s main streets and within downtowns.

In December, CDOT announced the selection of 30 projects in the Denver Metro Area for its Safer Main Streets program and invested an initial $59 million. The projects range from sidewalk and pedestrian improvements to upgrading safety at intersections and building new paths that provide safer space for biking. 

The Revitalizing Main Streets program was launched last June, with an initial investment of $4 million, focused on promoting public health during the COVID emergency, through socially-distant active transportation and economic development opportunities.   

Statement from Danny Katz, CoPIRG executive director

“We need streets that are safe for everyone, whether you are walking, biking, rolling, riding transit or using a car. Unfortunately, too many of our streets, especially the ones that act as the main streets, are unsafe for people. The initial 30 Safer Main Streets projects from December are models for exactly what we need to focus dollars on – putting safety for people first – by building out sidewalks, adding safety signals, improving intersections, and increasing safe access to transit and bikeways. 

I’m enthusiastic that the state is putting another $30 million into the Safer Main Streets program and the Revitalizing Main Streets programs.I applaud Senators Zenzinger and Priola, and Representatives Herod and Exum for sponsoring this bill. 

So many roads that are technically state highways cut through downtowns or have had businesses and residents grow up around them. These areas can be vibrant community centers but people need to feel safe accessing them, no matter how they get there. At some point, everyone is a pedestrian on a main street – grabbing food, accessing services, or enjoying the people and culture that makes Colorado so great. 

These dollars will have a real impact on a lot of people who live on main streets and downtowns or those who have to travel along or across them just to live their lives. Instead of leaving the “small stuff” to local governments to figure out, the state is stepping up and acknowledging that a significant state investment is needed.”  

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