Representative Gray, prime bill sponsor, introduced House Bill 20-1151, concerning the expansion of authority for regional transportation improvements.  The bill authorizes a transportation planning organization (TPO) to exercise the powers of a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).  An RTA may exercise a number of powers, including the ability to charge fees and generate funding through voter approved taxes.  Funding obtained through a TPO exercising RTA powers may not supplant state transportation funding.  The bill sponsor distributed and discussed Amendments L.002, L.003, L.004, L.006, and L.007 (Attachments B, C, D, E, and F).

The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsor continued to respond to questions from the committee.

George Twigg, representing the U.S. 36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition, testified neutral on the bill.

Commissioner Roger Partridge, representing Douglas County, testified in opposition to the bill.

George Allen, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mayor Mike Coffman, representing the City of Aurora, testified in support of the bill.

Curtis Edwards, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mayor Herb Atchison, representing the City of Westminster, testified in support of the bill.

Mayor Bud Starker, representing the City of Wheat Ridge, testified in support of the bill.

Mayor Adam Paul, representing the City of Lakewood, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to questions.

Representative Gray discussed Amendments L.002, L.003, L.004, L.006, and L.007 (Attachments B, C, D, E, and F).  Jason Gelender, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table and provided additional information about the amendments.

The bill sponsor made closing remarks.

The committee made closing remarks.