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Rail News: Passenger Rail
4/20/2010
Rail News: Passenger Rail
Denver RTD won't seek tax increase, expects FasTracks delays
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Last week, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver’s board decided not to pursue a sales tax measure this year for the FasTracks program.
RTD had considered increasing the sales tax by four-tenths of a percent to complete the FasTracks program by 2017.
“What it really comes down to is the state of the economy,” said RTD Chairman Lee Kemp in a prepared statement. “While we’re seeing some recovery, this is still a tough time for a lot of folks, and we just don’t feel it’s prudent to go to the ballot while so many people are still facing personal challenges.”
RTD continues to face a $2.4 billion budget gap for completing the project, which calls for building 119 miles of light- and commuter-rail lines, and 57 stations. Without additional revenue, the board estimates the program will be completed in 2042 instead of 2017.
Meanwhile, RTD remains committed to moving forward with the project, board members said. Forty-seven miles of new rail lines will be under construction or under contract by the end of the year.
In addition, RTD expects to move a newly constructed light-rail bridge into place across the Sixth Avenue freeway this weekend. For several months, the bridge has been built along the side of the freeway.
RTD had considered increasing the sales tax by four-tenths of a percent to complete the FasTracks program by 2017.
“What it really comes down to is the state of the economy,” said RTD Chairman Lee Kemp in a prepared statement. “While we’re seeing some recovery, this is still a tough time for a lot of folks, and we just don’t feel it’s prudent to go to the ballot while so many people are still facing personal challenges.”
RTD continues to face a $2.4 billion budget gap for completing the project, which calls for building 119 miles of light- and commuter-rail lines, and 57 stations. Without additional revenue, the board estimates the program will be completed in 2042 instead of 2017.
Meanwhile, RTD remains committed to moving forward with the project, board members said. Forty-seven miles of new rail lines will be under construction or under contract by the end of the year.
In addition, RTD expects to move a newly constructed light-rail bridge into place across the Sixth Avenue freeway this weekend. For several months, the bridge has been built along the side of the freeway.
