When I took this job, I thought it would be an easy ride. I didn’t know the economy would create such an impact on FasTracks. It’s been a difficult four years because what was proposed in 2004 cannot be built with our current funds. The loss of sales tax and rising commodity prices has created a gap of over $2 billion.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) came to us with a pilot program, but they had some standards, mainly around ridership. According to those standards, the only corridors that qualified for the program were East and Gold. They’re putting a billion dollars of federal money into the program, and the concessionaire is putting a billion dollars into it, and this Board has approved to proceed with the building of the Eagle P3 to DIA, Arvada, and Westminster. As the representative of the north area, it’s difficult for me to approve the building of other corridors, knowing that ours is delayed, but it would also be very difficult to turn down $2 billion in concessionaire and federal dollars.
The commitment was to build all of the corridors by 2017, but because of the economic downturn, it is impossible to do that. Within the next two years, we’re going to have to ask the voters for a sales tax increase to finish the program. The Board chose not to go to voters this year because business surveys indicated that everyone wants their corridor built yesterday, but they are leery of an increase in sales tax. With people out of jobs, this is not a good year to go. I think it’s imperative that we go to voters within the next two years. One way or another, we have got to get this whole thing done. The North Metro Corridor will be construction-ready by the middle of next year, and I think there will be more opportunities to pursue more federal money, which is what we intend to do. With additional funding, our corridor won’t be delayed more than a year or two from the original completion date of 2017.
I appreciate and share your concerns, and I understand your frustrations. I believe we can get this done as the economy starts to come back, and I am dedicated to making sure that North Metro is the next corridor to be complete. I would appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please e-mail me at noel.busck@RTD-Denver.com. I can also be reached on my cell phone at 303-808-9891.
Sincerely,
Noel Busck
RTD Director, District K
