Colorado Governor Jared Polis has announced that he wants the state to have a better chance securing federal grants for transportation infrastructure projects.
To that end, he is asking state lawmakers to husband some $100 million in state funds that can then be used to bid for those grants.
In a series of proposals submitted to the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, Polis said having more state money available for a bidding process will increase the possibility of the Centennial State securing competitive grants coming out of Washington.
Those grants, as provided through the passage in November of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are expected to apply particularly to roadway projects as well as the building of electric vehicle stations.
Additional projects that may be funded under the legislation include water system upgrades and the building of broadband infrastructure.
In a letter sent from the Governor’s office to Representative Julie McCluskie, chairperson of the Joint Budget Committee, it is noted that the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides a rare opportunity to advance Colorado’s competitiveness by improving our infrastructure for roads, broadbands, water, and other areas.”
The correspondence further notes that the Colorado’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting has estimated that the state’s “share of funding from the bill could double if the state is successful with grant applications, many of which will require a state match.”
Members of the Joint Budget Committee are expected to include the Governor’s competitive grant funding request as part of the next fiscal year budget before sending it to the state legislature for a vote.
As approved in Congress, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding for a wide array of both existing and new competitive grant programs, all aimed at funding infrastructure projects.
The Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center recently compiled a list noting that grant funding will be specifically available for highway, bridge investment, wildlife crossing, and healthy street programs, among other initiatives.
The federal share of funding for such projects generally ranges from 50% to 90%.
By Garry Boulard
