Congressman Neguse Announces Nearly $3 million to Improve Roadway Safety in Longmont and Fort Collins
Lafayette, CO — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced $2,939,944 in federal funding for the Cities of Longmont and Fort Collins to build safer streets and reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries. The investments, allocated as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, were made possible by the enactment of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Cities across Colorado’s 2nd District continue to see an increase in visitors and new residents, making it incredibly important that we develop roadway safety plans that bolster public well-being and reduce instances of roadway deaths and serious injuries,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. “I am proud to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which we ushered through Congress just three years ago, continue to deliver for folks across our communities. These tremendous investments will help implement much needed improvements to our roads, bike lanes, and areas of high traffic, so that we are meeting the needs of our neighbors.”
“The City is grateful for Representative Neguse’s help in securing federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) dollars for planning and demonstration safety projects in Longmont. With the City at the beginning of its Vision Zero journey, these funds will enable staff to gather essential data and develop a comprehensive, safety-focused Vision Zero Action Plan. These funds will also help address roadway safety needs through demonstration projects focused on lowering vehicle speeds, specifically in areas where motor vehicles mix with vulnerable road users such as youth, seniors, and those experiencing disabilities,” said Cammie Edson, City of Longmont Vision Zero Coordinator.
“Fort Collins is thrilled to be awarded this grant, which enables activities that are foundational to Vision Zero – our vision of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. These projects will break down barriers and create better, safer conditions for residents in Fort Collins that want to bike, walk or roll,” said Jeni Arndt, Mayor of Fort Collins.
The overall announcement included $1,739,944 for the Fort Collins Codes and Standards Audit, Harmony Road Study, and Lake Street Demonstration Project, which conducts two supplemental planning and one demonstration activity related to constructing safer bike lanes, reducing motor vehicle usage, mitigating speed-related risks in high traffic areas like those near Colorado State University; and $1,200,000 for the City of Longmont develop their Vision Zero Equitable Action Plan, which has the goal of reducing traffic deaths and severe injuries to zero by 2040.
The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted in November 2021, established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program, with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. Congressman Joe Neguse played a key role in crafting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, successfully securing the advancement of several key priorities for Colorado in the bill. Recently, Neguse announced similar SS4A funding for the Towns of Gypsum and Timnath, and has already secured $964,480 to improve cyclist safety in Fort Collins and $2,411,550 to upgrade the City’s transit infrastructure.
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