I_TLRC_2021A 08/04/2021 08:41:27 AM Committee Summary PUBLICSTAFF SUMMARY OF MEETINGINTERIM COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE Date 08/04/2021 Attendance Boesenecker X Catlin X Coram E Donovan E Froelich X Gray X Hisey X Hooton X Pettersen E Pico X Rich E Scott E Sullivan X Valdez D. X Van Winkle E Zenzinger X Winter E Exum X Time 08:41:27 AM to 03:04:54 PM Place Old State Library This Meeting was called to order by Exum This Report was prepared by April Bernard Hearing Items Action Taken hPublic Highway Authority Update Committee Discussion Only hColorado Motor Carriers Association Committee Discussion Only hPresentation from Colorado Energy Office and Colorado Department of Transportation Committee Discussion Only hPresentation from Regional Transportation District Committee Discussion Only hPresentation from Colorado Association of Transit Agencies Committee Discussion Only hPresentation from Colorado Cross Disability Coalition Committee Discussion Only hPresentation from Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Committee Discussion Only hInterim Bill Draft Requests Committee Discussion Only Public Highway Authority Update - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment A http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/EFDA7837C221...$File/21TLRC0804AttachA.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachA.pdf Attachment B - Not available to View in This Summary http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/20977A4FDE7B...$File/?OpenElement Attachment C http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/F6E73EB5D863...$File/21TLRC0804AttachC.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachC.pdf Attachment D http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/0DD8B611B3EF...$File/21TLRC0804AttachD.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachD.pdf 08:41:46 AM Director Tim Stewart and Board Chairman Chaz Tedesco, representing the E-470 Highway Authority provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment A) to the committee. Director Stewart provided a handout was also provided (Attachment B). Chairman Tedesco made introductory remarks. Director Stewart provided background about the 47 mile toll road around the perimeter of Denver. He indicated that the authority is carrying $1.3 billion in debt that will pay off in September of 2041 and provided a summary toll and fee reductions. 08:46:27 AM Director Stewart said that the authority recently adopted a work plan that includes regional public partnerships, facilitating transportation projects, and funding capital needs with no new debt, as well as the update of the 2018 master plan. He also indicated that the authority continues to reduce debt and is using cash reserves for needs. He shared 2021 traffic statistices through June, including that traffic is 22 percent below 2019, but up 18 percent over 2020 traffic. Director Stewart stated that the authority completed a $99 million project with Arapahoe County and the City of Aurora that reconfigured lanes,addded lanes, and made additions to the High Plains Trail. There are plans to expand and make improvements at I-70 and 104th Avenue, as well as 38th Avenue, 48th Avenue, 64th Avenue, 88th Avenue, and Pena Boulevard. 08:52:01 AM E-470 staff discussed the highway's economic impact in the region for 2019, including a savings of 43.2 million hours, equivalent to $354.5 million net value. Staff stated that $70 million was saved in avoided accidents and that the value of commercial goods moved through the region on the toll road was $4.3 billion total in 2020. Director Stewart indicated that the authority has cut wrong way driving in half, using cable barriers and is protecing wildlife with fencing. He stated that the authority is also contributing to improved air quality, using electric fleet vehicles. Authority staff shared concerns about a drop in revenue with the passage of Senate Bill 21-257. Director Steward stated that concerns relate to the absence of license plates on mobile machinery, since the authority tolls vehicles using license plates. There was a discussion about how special mobile machinery is licensed. 08:58:51 AM Committee members discussed how most mobile machinery may be pulled on a trailer or is not road worthy, as well as examples of mobile machinery, such as oil and gas equipment. 09:12:22 AM There was a discussion about a marketing campaign for the transponder and perks for E-470 customers, as well as revenues related to traffic flow. E-470 staff answered questions about about the review of unsolicited proposals and the lack of a formal policy on this issue. 09:24:27 AM John Hall, Managing Administrator representing the Northwest Parkway Authority, provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment C) about the highway that links E-470, I-25, and US36. Mr. Hall discussed additional developments adjacent to the parkway, including: on the eastern end of the Baseline Project, north of the parkway, a development with 9,000 homes; at the Highway 287 interchange on the northeast corner at Lafayette, Medtronics development; and west of Louisville a Conoco Phillips redevelopment. Mr. Hall provided information about traffic during the pandemic, including: total trips falling by 40 percent in 2020 from pre-pandemic levels; traffic recovery, currently at 30 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels; and a general decrease in accidents, while personal injuries have remained relatively constant. Mr. Hall stated that toll rates are regulated by the consessionnaire, and increase annually per capita with the gross domestic product,U.S. Consumer Price Index, or 2 percent, whichever is higher. He shared that the annual inspection of the parkway recently resulted in a score of 4.96 out of 5, with no category one (poses an immediate hazard) defects. He indicated that only one category two defect (does not pose an immediate hazard) was found. There was a discussion about recent projects, including pavement rideability improvements on 15,000 feet of surfuce and electronic toll signage with replacement of signs and the addition of 11 electronic variable tolling signs. 09:33:34 AM Solar arrays used by the parkway were discussed. Mr. Hall highlighted seven solar arrays, producing 940 killowats of electricity, and reducing the use of electricity through the power grid by 47 percent over the last 10 years in the administrative building. There was a discussion about solar panels assisting with the operating costs of facilities and ramp locations. 09:34:47 AM Bill Ray, Executive Director representing the Jefferson Parkway Highway Authority, provided background information about the highway. Mr. Ray provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment D). He indicated that the parkway is still in planning stages. There was a discussion about soil samples and hazardous materials in the area of the proposed highway. Mr. Ray talked about the City and County of Broomfield recent re-engagement in the parkway, after withdrawing in the past. Mr. Ray answered questions about the continued relevancy of the project and changing the route of the parkway, including an environmental impact study should the route change. Colorado Motor Carriers Association - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment E http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/6F1C4CBB1DE2...$File/21TLRC0804AttachE.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachE.pdf Attachment F http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/5318E86D8AFC...$File/21TLRC0804AttachF.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachF.pdf 09:50:18 AM Greg Fulton, president representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA), provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment E) about the association. Mr. Fulton indicated that the trucking industry provides 122,680 jobs in Colorado. He stated that there are 15,000 trucking companies in the state, with the averge base salary per year for a trucking job in Colorado at $72,622. Mr. Fulton presented that the trucking industry pays 37 percent of fees and makes up only 6 percent of traffic on the road. He indicated that the industry in Colorado paid $502 million in federal and state roadway taxes in 2019. Mr. Fulton provided information on clean diesel progross, including a 98 reduction in nitrous oxides and particulate matter. He stated that new technology has reduced diesel truck carbon dioxide emissiosn by 126 milllion tons since 2007 and that the industry is working on replacing trucks older than 2007 with newer models, since older trucks make up 75 percent of diesel emissions. 09:57:49 AM Mr. Fulton taked about the impacts of the I-70 closure of through Glenwood Canyon. He stated that a typical trip of four to four and half hours now takes six and a half to eight hours, driving through Rifle. He went on to indicate that hours of service for truckers can be problematic with the alternate route, since the driver must rest in the middle of the trip according to federal regulations about hours truckers may work. He talked about the US-50 project being placed on hold due to the I-70 closure, providing another route option. Mr. Fulton indicated that delays are creating supply chain issues, leading to higher costs for consumers and shippers and more traffic on the alternate routes. 10:02:53 AM Mr. Fulton touched on a nationwide driver shortage. He talked about the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and federal requirements related to drug testing. Mr. Fulton shared statistics about the median age of truck dirvers, 55, with more drivers retiring, and few female drivers. He discussed the nature of driving, being on the road regularly, as a challenge to hiring, as well as additional pressures during the pandemic, such as an increase in e-commerce, and the closure of driving schools. Mr. Fulton outlined possible solutions to hiring challenges, including paying drivers more; providing more time at home for drivers; improving the driver image; expanding days and times for delivery to allow for flexibility in schedules; and recruiting and retaining drivers agressively. 10:16:55 AM Mr. Fulton talked about longer term solutions to the driver shortage. He mentioned a tax credit to companies to extend training for new CDL drivers, perhaps $10,000 for employing individuals with criminal records. Mr. Fulton talked about low or no cost training for soldiers ending their tour. He mentioned that there may be support for a pilot including drives 18 to 20 years old. He suggested that greater outreach be made to women and minorities and enhanced productivity through an incrcrease in gross weight to 85,000 pounds on the interstate to match other state highways. Mr. Fulton mentioned an industry letter available for review on the committee's web page (Attachment F). 10:22:07 AM Mr. Fulton talked about proposed legislation that would define milk products as a non-divisible load, consistent with other states. He indicated that CMCA is also interested in modifications to oversight of the passenger traction law, including modifications to the type of tire noted in current law. 10:25:36 AM There was a discussion about the fuel shortage. Greer Bailey, representing the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, mentioned that communities are experiencing fuel shortages, primarily diesel and higher premium gas; and consumers are experiencing price spikes. Mr. Bailey agreed that use of US-50 is critical. He mentioned that drivers are running out of hours when driving longer distances, especially with fuel coming from areas that are further away. He suggested that intervention may be needed to allocate fuel to emergency services and schools. 10:32:03 AM There was a discussion about the US 50 closure and pressure to complete the project. The discussion included the possibility that ranchers and farmers, as well as builders, may be having issues getting equipment. 10:36:28 AM There was a suggestion to desginate key corridors and alternate corridors and apply resources to those corridors to address shipping and highway closures. There was a discussion about additional fuel storage, especially in local airports. 10:43:53 AM There was a discussion about driver pay, including some drivers requesting to work for cash. Double fuel tankers as a way to address the fuel shortage were discussed. A committee member suggested that disaster declaration for I-70 may provide some latitude; however a permanent change must be approved by the federal government and the distribution network may not be sufficient to carry the weight of an additional tanker. Presentation from Colorado Energy Office and Colorado Department of Transportation - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment G http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/89A4BB4FB383...$File/21TLRC0804AttachG.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachG.pdf Attachment H http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/6B69C79A8D7E...$File/21TLRC0804AttachH.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachH.pdf 10:51:43 AM Shoshana Lew, Executive Director representing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), provided a PowerPoint presesentation (Attachment G) and an update about Glenwood Canyon. Director Lew discussed that the threat to the canyon is ongoing with three areas of concern: moving debris to determine what needs permanent repairs; dealing with unstable boulders; and safe passage for CDOT employees and contractors working on the road. She touched on areas outside of the canyon experiencing the greatest damage, including the Shoshone Power Plant. She stated that the structure is secure, but CDOT continues to monitor the area. She mentioned that CDOT is working when the weather is safe, however the monsoon weather pattern is a problem. She also suggested that there may be additional water damage, but CDOT does not believe there is structural damage. 10:55:20 AM Director Lew talked about damage on the upper decks of the highway, as well as submersiion of the lower deck. She mentioned that the flow of the river channel was affected, too. Director Lew talked about ther partnership between CDOT and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take care of emergency operations and monitor safety. She stated that DPS is helping with traffic and CDOT is working within communities and with peer agencies and the federal government. Director Lew indicated that the Governor's declaration under the Stafford Act will bring in resources. She stated that US50 is open until the situation is stabilized and that the efforts to work on the highway will be long term. 10:58:02 AM Director Lew talked about developments over the previous 48 hours, including work with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide emergency program funds, separate from the emergency declaration. Steve Harrelson, Chief Engineer for CDOT, provided additional information about the damage to the highway. He stated that stanchions on the upper deck that hold the concrete need to be repaired with new concrete and rebar near Blue Gulch. He talked about debris removal and indicated that the lower deck contains mud and water that has undercut the retaining wall, possibly damaging it. 11:01:33 AM Mr. Harrelson talked about the debris flow. He mentioned that the debris was like oatmeal and 15 feet deep, but is now rocks the size of cars, trash cans, and bowling balls, perhaps making the debris harder to move. He talked about recent storms and the constant clearing of debris that forces the river from side to side. Mr. Harrelson outlined the damage from Dotsero to Rifle, with severe damage at Hanging Lakes. He stated that the access to the Shoshone Intake Dam is obliterated, and that power is out at Shoshone, including no power for the dam gates. 11:07:54 AM There was a discussion about the timeframe for opening the road. Mr. Harrelson outlined the plan to have one lane open in each direction next week, one on the top deck and one on the bottom deck. He indicated that CDOT will get more help this week from contractors with dump trucks and front end loaders, although they are affected by the trucking shortage, too. He stated that the plan is to have the highway completely open before the onset of winter and the ski season. 11:16:07 AM There was a discussion about supporting communities. CDOT staff indicated that impediments to alternate routes, US 50 and a smaller project on US 285, were removed. Director Lew indicated that the State Patrol is providing enforcement, signage, flagging, and temporary staff on Independence Pass. She asked that communities communicate successes and needs. She talked about a standing group, including counties, to provide feedback on traffic and other issues; and mentioned long term conversatons with regards to response, recovery, and resiliency. 11:25:09 AM Discussion turned to the effects of wildfire and materials for mitigating fire on forest health. Mr. Harrelson discussed how materials and seed are applied with fire retardant, however run off is increased due to the state of the soil. He mentioned that the soil must be broken up, however this does happen over time. Mr. Harrelson and Director Lew talked about the State Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources work with CDOT. Director Lew mentioned that the berm at the top of Hanging Lake Tunnel was helpful in containing some of the debris. 11:29:07 AM There was a discussion about alternate routes and communication with local partners, including packaging projects together with additional discussions. 11:36:39 AM Mr. Harrelson discussed State Highway 14, including that there was no damage due to mud, however there were issues with culverts. The discussion included funding and response related to the 2013 floods, such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FHWA funds. 11:41:59 AM There was a discussion about problems with immediate repairs as well as previous repairs. 11:42:43 AM Director Will Toor, representing the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), provided an update on transportation emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals (Attachment H). He talked about transportation as the largest source of GHG emissions in the state. He outlined other major sources, including: electric power generation, oil and gas, and buildings. Director Toor talked about the GHG Roadmap, released last year, that sets goals over the next decade through 2030. He mentioned that low and zero emission vehicle rules are already in place and that fleet turnover will continue, as well as investment in light duty infrastructure and electrifiction. Director Toor outlined additional strategies, including: focusing on GHG emission pollution standards for transportation plans; incentivizing land use near jobs to reduce vehicle miles traveled; developing a clean trucking strategy and vehicle standards post 2025; looking at air quality standard for indirect sources of GHG; and expanding public transit. 11:46:27 AM Director Toor talked about the passage of Senate Bill 21-260, including the investment of $724 million in charging infrastructure. He talked about three new enterprises that will create charging infrastructure; provide incentives to fleet electrification; and electrify public transit. He also mentioned that $1.2 billion will be required over the next decade by government, private entities, and public transit to meet goals for infrastructure. Director Toor talked about the removal of obstacles to transportation electrification and requiring utilities to file transportation electrification plans with the passage of Senate Bill19-077. 11:55:40 AM Director Toor indicated that the federal government will create new light duty vehicle GHG emission and Cafe standards and that California will soon adopt clean air standards. He talked about how states may choose to adopt the California standards or the federal Clean Air Act standards. Director Toor talked about zero emissions for all new vehicles by 2035. He touched on the clean trucking strategy and reduction of emissions from medium and heavy duty trucks. He presented the following strategies for clean trucking: truck fleet turnover must accelerate to incorporate clean technology and zero emissions; SmartWay; advanced clean truck standards; support for the workforce; and a green procurement policy. 12:01:34 PM Director Lew talked about GHG emissions and the ongoing rulemaking involving the Transportation Commission. She outlined that the rule will define the role of government in transportation planning and provide more options to the public. She stated that the draft rule will be released on August 13, 2021, followed by five public hearings. Director Lew provided information about a policy paper describes the major issues, including: how pollution reduction is considered; the magnitude of reductions; mitigation measuresl and enforcement. She stated that the current transportation plan will most likely be changed. 12:07:17 PM Director Lew discussed the CDOT rule as a mechanism to reduce GHG in the transportation sector through transportation planning organizations. She stated that Metropolitation Planning Organization funding will be linked to mitigating GHG. She also mentioned that various options will be available to assist local organizations in meeting emissions goals and providing options for consumers. She stated that the GHG Roadmap outlines how emissions will be reduced. 12:15:04 PM There was a discussion about enforcement measures related to GHG emissions in recent legislation, as well as emissions goals in other sectors and market transformation. The dicussion touched on transportation choices, including mode and type of vehicle. Director Lew indicated that multiple strategies, such as regulatory standards for new vehicles and emissions, could be deployed to realize goals. She mentioned that additional infrastructure funding from the federal government will assist in making changes at the scale required. 12:18:34 PM Director Lew talked about the federal government's focus on large auto companies. CDOT and committee members discussed comprehensive planning for transportation and overall GHG emissions calculations. She mentioned that several levels of government are working together to get a handle on the various pieces of the transportation sector. Director Lew stated that this is a new project for CDOT and the federal goverment is looking at Colorado as an example to follow. 12:25:13 PM Fuel standards were discussed, especially developments at the federal level, with a proposal possible by the end of the year. The payload of electric trucks was also discussed, including goals surrounding fleet vehicles. Perhaps other government agencies, such as higher education and local schools should be included in these goals. Air quality issues surrounding diesel school buses were discussed and a possible shift to electric school buses. There was a suggestion that the Transportation Legislation Review Committee assist with electrification goals. Mr. Toor shared that Higher Education is involved in discussions with CEO on collaborations for buildings and transportation. He suggested that there may be opportunities for TLRC to assist in endeavors. 12:34:13 PM There was a discussion about generating electricity for vehicle charging and batteries for vehicles. Director Toor talked about the future of electric generation, including electric resource plans adoptions by Colorado utility companies for an 80 percent reduction in pollution by 2030. He explained that the goal is to replace coal fired electric generation plants with wind and solar, and use gas turbines for back up. Director Toor stated that the gas turbines will not be used often, but are essential to reliability. He mentioned that the goal is to have carbon free electric generation after 2030, which will require technical and business innovations. He talked about innovations, including: improvements in long range battery storage; technologies that form energies; and firm zero carbon generation, such as modular nuclear, hydrogen, and using exess renewables energy to hydrolize water to create green hydrogen for combustion turbines. Director Toor suggested that these technoligies will provide both generation and storage. He stated that federal investment is expected through the infrastructure package and budget reconciliation. Director Toor mentioned a partnership with Eight Rivers Capital and the Southern Ute tribe to create a 320 megawatt Allen cycle gas plant with carbon capture that may provide zero carbon generation to feed into utility plants. 12:42:29 PM Director Toor discussed the load on the elctric grid for charging vehicles. He referenced two state studies which include light and heavy duty vehicles; one study will be available later this fall. He indicated that generally there is a net positive benefit to the grid, especially related to light duty vehicles since charging will take place at night. Director Toor indicated that there is often excess capacity at night for transmission and storage. He mentioned that fixed costs are spread over a larger number of killowatt hours which should have downward pressure on rates. Presentation from Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment I http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/4A9FA6A64DA1...$File/21TLRC0804AttachI.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachI.pdf 01:22:03 PM Debra Johnson, representing the Regional Transportation District (RTD), provided information about RTD. Ms. Johnson provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment I). She indicated that RTD is collaborating with the state by implementing audit recommendations from a 2020 State Audit and looking at recommendations from the Accountability Committee. She stated that the committee made its final report July 20 and board action is expected later this month. Ms. Johnson stated that RTD continues to work through the pandemic and adjust to the effects. 01:26:18 PM Ms. Johnson said that the RTD Board will reivew the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan next week. She stated that the plan looks at the organization's history and current state and ties activities and performance measurements to outcomes. Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD wants to deliver value and excellence to customers and community. With regards to recovery, Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD is currently at 65 percent service and would like to increase to 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels. She stated that service for major activity areas may be a sensible way to expand, such as areas of employment, the Tech Center, downtown Denver, and Boulder. She went on to state that RTD is looking at its hiring practices to have the staff to provide critical services. 01:32:02 PM Ms. Johnson shared that the organization is re-starting the Reimagine RTD program. She stated that the program looks at the organization every five to seven years to optimize the system and plan for the future, balancing monthly needs and fiscal limits. through 2050. Guiding principles were adopted in April of this year, and are the foundation of service delivery decisions. The six critical lensesof the program are: mobility, equity, financial, partnerships, workforce, and sustainability. 01:35:59 PM Ms. Johnson talked about a fare study equity analysis which began in March of 2021. She stated that the study found that users find the fare system cumbersome, expensive, and confusing. She talked about how the study is the first of its kind that includes multicultural outreach. Ms. Johnson talked about the implementation of new fares in 2022 after a benchmark study and creation of a comprehensive fare structure that accomdoates many individuals. 01:39:25 PM There was a discussion about safety for RTD employees. Ms. Johnson stated that polycarbonate barriers will remain for drivers due to some issues with violence. There was a discussion about service reductions. Ms. Johnson said that a service reduction analysis plan was completed to ensure that low income or minority communities were not suffering the brunt of the impact to service. She indicated that additional routes and schedules will be added, depending on ridership flows, with a goal to be at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. 01:47:06 PM Ms. Johnson talked about the Coronavirus Aid Relief that RTD received, includingCoronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act funds of $232,000 for payroll and operations through 2020. She stated that In 2021, RTD received $203,400 from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to restore services that were cut; restore budgeted overtime and extra shift pay for front line operators and maintenance staff; eliminate furlough days; eliminate paycuts for non-represented employees; and allow non-represented employees to cash in 80 hours of paid time off that they were not able to take during the pandemic. Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD will also leverage a money swap of sales and use tax in the amount of $14 million to address state audit recommendations and the recommendations of the Accountability Committee, and ensure adequate employees to provide service. She said that RTD also plans to submit an application for American Rescue Plan Act funds to address salaries and benefits. Presentation from Colorado Association of Transit Agencies - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment J http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/C4C7ABF64AB7...$File/21TLRC0804AttachJ.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachJ.pdf 01:52:45 PM Ann Rajewski, representing the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment J). The association serves over 50 transportation agencies and organizations, and provides advocacy for members. Ms. Rajewski discussed common challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rider access to work. However, Ms. Rajewski indicated that new services were provided during the pandemic, such as transportation to vaccination sites. She stated that impacts on ridership have varied. Ms. Rajewski provided examples from several members showing changes in ridership and services during the pandemic. 01:58:46 PM Ms. Rajewski outlined new projects being undertaken by member organizations, including a La Plata and Archuleta regional bus and a Bustang route from Pagosa Springs to Durango, along US160. She stated that new services are providing access to medical servces, the Division of Motor Vehicles, and employment. 02:01:21 PM Ms. Rajewski discussed additional projects, include the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority maintenance facility expansion in Glenwood Springs to meet an expected 60 percent population growth in the valley. She indicated that the project will assist in mitigating the impacts of higher housing cost burdens by providing reliable and affordable transportation. Ms. Rajewski described SETrans, a regional transportation coordinating council including Baca, Crowley, Kiowa, Bent, Otero, and Prowers counties. She stated that the council is working on commercial driver license training and testing programs through partnerships in the counties, Ft. Lyon, City of LaJunta, and with local workforce coordinators to provide a pipeline for transportation drivers. She shared that the council is also working on transit connections from new housing to over 200 jobs at prisons in Olney Springs and Las Animas. Presentation from Colorado Cross Disability Coalition - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment K http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/560838FAB6FD...$File/21TLRC0804AttachK.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachK.pdf 02:05:45 PM Julie Reiskin, Executive Director representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (CCDC), provided information about her organization. CCDC provided a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment K). She stated that transportation is a huge issue for the community that CCDC represents. Jaime Lewis, Chair of the Advisory Committee for Transit representing CCDC, talked about experiences with RTD. He stated that RTD offers Access-A-Ride which provides food delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and the opportunity to get out. Mr. Lewis talked about transportation and independence and CCDC's work with RTD to bring back services and make changes to services. 02:13:13 PM Mr. Lewis stated that in rural areas some folks are making their own travel arrangements to medical appointments and applying for reimbursement. He indicated that wait times for reimbursement are long and amounts received are often less than expenses. Mr. Lewis added that transportation through the Department of Human Services can be complex to use and that is why CCDC supports public transit that serves everyone. 02:17:52 PM Mr. Lewis suggested that transportation network companies are a great option for some members, such as blind individuals, however there is no support for individuals using wheel chairs. He talked about government involvement as a way requirie transportation for individuals using wheel chairs. He also indicated that buses provide a good option. 02:19:30 PM Mr. Lewis discussed the top three emerging issues identified by CCDC, including: partnerships between counties and municipalities; increased population in cities; and ride share programs. He suggested that ride share programs may need to look at accomodations for the disabled community. Mr. Lewis also talked about a possible tax to provide disabled access to cars as well as relief for RTD. 02:22:11 PM Ms. Reiskin touched on possible local government programs to ensure clear sidewalks for sight impaired individuals. 02:23:13 PM Mr. Lewis and Ms. Reiskin touched on additional participation in the RTD accessibility committees. Medical transportation gaps in service were discussed, including the unavailability of same day rides where ambulance services are often used instead. Ms. Reiskin touched on the challenge of returning home from the hospital, as well as transportation for mental health treatment. Presentation from Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing - Committee Discussion Only Attachment Tag File Name Attachment L http://www2.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf/0/86C26D679C84...$File/21TLRC0804AttachL.pdf?OpenElement 21TLRC0804AttachL.pdf 02:30:02 PM The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) provided a PowerPoint presentation to members (Attachment L). Ryan Dwyer, representing HCPF, talked about a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for handling medical transportation which involves brokers dispatching for a network of transportation providers that do not own their own vehicles. Mr. Dwyer outlined benefits, including uniform administration with a single point of contact, which is helpful for counties so that resources are not used on administration. He indicated that feedback from providers suggested a feeling that the department gave business to bigger organizations and members needing services were confused by the new process, especially since they often had longstanding relationships with providers. Increased call volume, leading to increased hold times as well as delays in processing mileage reimbursements, were discussed. 02:39:09 PM Ryan Dwyer stated that they are exploring options to work on feedback received from customers and indicated that IntelliRide reduced the scope of their services in August, but still provides full services for the original nine-county region. He indicated that dedicated providers are needed for smaller counties and that HCPF is continuing to improve call center wait times and reduce the time for processing mileage reimbursements. He said that feedback is encouraged from members, providers, and advocates. 02:41:01 PM Fee for service organizations and transportation services were discussed, including the return of services since COVID-19. HCPF will look at data related to revenue and trip numbers and provide information to the committee. Interim Bill Draft Requests - Committee Discussion Only 02:43:55 PM Makita Lee Fiddler, representing herself, provided testimony to the committee. 02:49:29 PM Jason Gelender, Jery Payne, and Sarah Lozano, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, provided an introduction to the bill draft process. 02:53:49 PM Motion Create a bill draft to modify the definition of milk products regarding a non-divisible load. Moved Boesenecker Seconded Froelich Boesenecker Catlin Coram Donovan Excused Froelich Gray Hisey Hooton Pettersen Excused Pico Rich Excused Scott Sullivan Valdez D. Van Winkle Zenzinger Winter Excused Exum YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection 02:54:38 PM Motion Create a bill draft regarding a statewide law for bicyclists to make certain stops at stop signs and red lights. Moved Gray Seconded Valdez D. Boesenecker Catlin Coram Donovan Excused Froelich Gray Hisey Hooton Pettersen Excused Pico Rich Excused Scott Sullivan Valdez D. Van Winkle Zenzinger Winter Excused Exum YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection 02:57:35 PM Motion Create a bill draft regarding medical transportation across rural and suburban areas. Moved Gray Seconded Valdez D. Boesenecker Catlin Coram Donovan Excused Froelich Gray Hisey Hooton Pettersen Excused Pico Rich Excused Scott Sullivan Valdez D. Van Winkle Zenzinger Winter Excused Exum YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection 02:57:36 PM There was a discussion about regulation. 03:02:31 PM Motion Create a bill draft to standardize gross weight limits for freight on highways. Moved Pico Seconded Van Winkle Boesenecker Catlin Coram Donovan Excused Froelich Gray Hisey Hooton Pettersen Excused Pico Rich Excused Scott Sullivan Valdez D. Van Winkle Zenzinger Winter Excused Exum YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Withdrawn 03:04:08 PM Motion Create a resolution draft regarding a study for freight weight limitations on roadways. Moved Pico Seconded Gray Boesenecker Catlin Coram Donovan Excused Froelich Gray Hisey Hooton Pettersen Excused Pico Rich Excused Scott Sullivan Valdez D. Van Winkle Zenzinger Winter Excused Exum YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection 03:04:54 PM The committee adjourned.
