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On Tuesday, the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) approved a short-term plan for the FasTracks program using existing revenue as part of the Denver Regional Council of Government’s (DRCOG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

RTD, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and cities and counties in the region must identify the transportation projects that can be completed within the DRCOG 2035 plan to enable the region to continue receiving federal funding, RTD officials said in a prepared statement.

FasTracks projects identified in the RTP amendment to be completed by 2035 are based on RTD’s ability to leverage public-private funds or federal grants.  

“This is what the plan looks like now, but as opportunities arise, the plan will change,” said RTD Chairman Lee Kemp. “We believe that the plan is fiscally responsible and the right thing to do for the region, as we try to remain flexible to optimize progress on the program.”

Also on Tuesday, RTD’s board awarded a contract to AECOM for final design of the North MetroRail Line from downtown Denver to the 72nd and Colorado Station. The contract contributes to RTD’s $1 billion in expenditures and commitments to the northern communities through 2017, agency officials said.