Pitkin County and RFTA receive federal grants

Colorado U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced nearly $112 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for 11 projects across the state, highlighting significant investments in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA).

The funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across Colorado. 

Pitkin County receives $2 million to “establish plans for the transformation of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport into a mobility hub that integrates with the regional transportation network,” a news release states.

RFTA, meanwhile, receives nearly $1.3 million to fund the “development of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for extending the State Highway 82 VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane on a new alignment through the City of Glenwood Springs to the Interstate 70 corridor.”

“Through investments like these, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act continue to support Colorado as we work to meet our state’s changing needs — from improving our roadways to strengthening local economies,” Bennet said in the release.

Hickenlooper added, “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps delivering for Colorado. This time that means a safer US 50 east of Pueblo, improved intersections and bike lanes, and more connected communities.”

Pitkin County Commissioner Patti Clapper spoke to how the grant will help the area.

“Receiving this grant provides us a great opportunity to work with our community to move the Pitkin County airport forward,” Clapper, emphasizing the importance of federal investment in addressing local infrastructure needs, said in the release.

This planning initiative for RFTA focuses on expanding fast, efficient transit options in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. 

“The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is extremely grateful to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for helping RFTA secure RAISE funding to plan an extension of RFTA’s VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit system,” RFTA CEO Kurt Ravenschlag said in the release. “This planning work will allow RFTA to better connect our region’s communities with fast and easy-to-use Bus Rapid Transit service.”