This memorandum provides information about major revenue sources that the state and local governments use to fund Colorado's transportation infrastructure and related programs.
Due to budget challenges, Colorado is looking for alternative funding sources for the operation and maintenance of its interstate safety rest areas (SRAs). As CDOT continues to close rest areas due to tight budgets, it should look for alternatives to fund their operation and maintenance. These alternatives include small-scale strategies such selling tourism related items or lottery tickets, and a large-scale strategy that includes developing a commercialized rest area outside of the interstate right of way through a public-private partnership. In addition, CDOT could advocate for changes to federal law.
Beginning in 2016-17 and for each year that state funding for higher education is at or above $706 million, 25 percent of the amount over $650 million will be appropriated based on each institution's performance. This document contains the plan by which the CCHE will determine its recommendation for performance funding allocation to institutions.
The single greatest obstacle to advanced energy deployment in the United States may be access to quality financing. In the 2013 legislative session, it would appear that states have recognized that financing is a critical element in growing a new energy economy.
Colorado could pursue fees based on actual travel as an alternative to the fuel tax. Revenues from mileage-based user fees (MBUF) would not vary based on fleet fuel consumption and would instead return revenue in proportion to use of the roadway network. Too many operational and technological questions remain unanswered, and must be tested and evaluated before the state would be ready to commit to a statewide implementation of this strategy.
The DWRF is a program to assist public water systems with low interest financing to achieve or maintain compliance with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and to protect public health. Since 1997, the state has loaned almost $400 million to eligible public water systems.
