Rep. Neguse Calls on DOT to Fund Colorado’s Front Range Passenger Rail Project

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, the representative for most of Colorado’s northern Front Range, penned a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg requesting that the Department of Transportation (DOT) support Colorado’s Front Range Passenger Rail Project. Specifically, Rep. Neguse called for the Front Range Passenger Rail to be included in the Federal Rail Administration’s newly constructed Corridor Identification and Development Program (CDIP). The CDIP was created as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help the federal government identify new passenger rail services. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in collaboration with local communities, has been working to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail Project – highlighting the state’s need to reduce pressure and congestion on our roads. This project would connect 13 of the most populous counties in Colorado, spanning roughly 200 miles – acting as a transportation ‘spine’ along the Front Range of Colorado. The population among the Front Range is expected to grow by 35%, increasing the pressure on Colorado’s transportation system. 

“Inclusion into the CIDP will enable significant advancement of the passenger rail project. The funding will be used to design, build, and improve rail infrastructure within the [Front Range Passenger Rail District] corridor. Federal funding will help to solidify partnerships with passenger rail operators and freight rail companies to identify expedient, affordable, and sustainable rail options in the corridor,” writes Congressman Neguse. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contained $66 billion in funding for passenger rail developments. The Corridor Identification Development Plan (CDIP) is the first step in identifying projects for this unprecedented transformation of America’s passenger rail network. Neguse played a key role in the swift passage and enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a monumental piece of legislation that invests in the economy, rebuilds crumbling roads and bridges and ensures American communities can compete in the 21st Century.

“We’re very excited to submit this application to be part of the corridor Identification Development Program with the FRA. The program is a new way of building infrastructure capacity around the county and the FRPR District is proud to be a leading part of it. Acceptance into the CIDP will help make passenger rail a reality for communities from Trinidad to Fort Collins. The District is optimistic about leveraging future funding through the CIDP to not only  build a passenger rail line, but also to strengthen partnerships that could lead to the expansion of additional rail and bus transit opportunities all along the FRPR corridor,” said Andy Karsian, the Front Range Passenger Rail District General Manager. 

In 2022, Rep. Neguse led a group of Colorado lawmakers in calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration to prioritize the project as part of the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Read the full letter HERE and below:

The Honorable Pete Buttigieg                                                                

Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, D.C. 20590

Re: Support for Front Range Passenger Rail District’s Application to join the Corridor Identification and Development Program

Dear Secretary Buttigieg,

I am writing to express support for the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) and the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) application to join the Federal Rail Administration’s new Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP). This is a historic opportunity to further the vision and implementation of a high-quality passenger rail system to connect communities along Colorado’s Front Range.

By 2050, three million new people are expected to live and travel across the Front Range. Colorado needs integrated multimodal travel options to reduce traveler dependence on Single Occupancy Vehicles, increase transportation system capacity, reduce congestion, and advance environmental, economic and equity goals.

Inclusion into the CIDP will enable significant advancement of the passenger rail project. The funding will be used to design, build, and improve rail infrastructure within the FRPRD corridor. Federal funding will help to solidify partnerships with passenger rail operators and freight rail companies to identify expedient, affordable, and sustainable rail options in the corridor.

CIDP inclusion is a crucial step to developing new inter-city rail in Colorado. I respectfully request that you consider the application favorably so Colorado can advance this regionally significant program.

Sincerely,

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