S_TRA_2018A 01/09/2018 01:01:47 PM Committee Summary

Executive Director Micheal Lewis, representing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), came to the table to update the committee on CDOT's activity and performance. He distributed a copy of his presentation (Attachment A) and the department's performance plan (Attachment B).

Director Lewis began by discussing CDOT's various functions. He answered committee questions regarding CDOT's mobile applications and how CDOT works with third-party applications. He continued by discussing the department's performance plan.

Mr. Josh Laipply, representing CDOT, came to the table to discuss pavement condition and maintenance initiatives.  He answered several questions regarding pavement conditions and maintenance.

Mr. Laipply and Director Lewis continued by addressing several committee questions regarding the weather's effect on pavement. Mr. Laipply continued by discussing CDOT's travel time initiative. Director Lewis answered committee questions regarding the metric travel time goals and a project on I-225. Mr. Laipply continued by highlighting technology projects aimed at reducing travel time.

Mr. Laipply continued by discussing several upcoming connected vehicles and ramp metering projects. Director Lewis answered several committee questions regarding data privacy.

Director Lewis continued by discussing CDOT's worker's compensation claims initiative. He stated that the goal of the initiative is to keep workers safe and reduce worker's compensation claims.

Director Lewis continued by discussing CDOT's safety initiatives. He highlighted his concerns about the rise of fatalities on Colorado's roads. In response to a committee question, Director Lewis stated that Colorado's growing population is a factor considered in the rise in fatalities across the state.

Director Lewis continued by discussing CDOT's Efficiency and Accountability Committee and its actions during 2017.  Mr. Laipply also explained various CDOT process improvements and highlighted several examples of their work.  In response to committee questions, Mr. Laipply discussed stormwater paperwork issues between the state and contractors, and the color of road striping for high occupancy vehicle lanes.

Mr. Laipply continued by discussing CDOT's Senate Bill 17-267 projects. He discussed project timelines and the criteria the Transportation Commission used to determine the projects eligible for Senate Bill 17-267 funds. Committee discussion ensued regarding Senate Bill 17-267 projects.

Mr. Laipply continued by discussing CDOT's award by review process and CDOT's suggested changes to the process. Committee discussion ensued regarding CDOT's contracting process.

Executive Director Doug Dean, representing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), came to the table to update the committee on the PUC's work.  He distributed a copy of their annual report to the committee (Attachment C).  He continued by discussing the PUC commissioners and the division's structure.

Director Dean continued by discussing the PUC's performance plan goals. He answered several committee questions regarding the commission's performance goals. He noted the difference between a comment and a complaint in the PUC process.

Director Dean continued by discussing the PUC's work in the energy and economics section, along with the commission's work in telecommunications.

Director Dean continued by discussing the commission's work in its transportation section. He answered several committee questions regarding the PUC's rulemaking process. Committee discussion ensued regarding rulemaking, transportation network companies, and taxi companies.

Director Dean continued by discussing the PUC's actions in rail and transit safety. He answered several committee questions regarding testing on the Regional Transportation District's G Line.

Director Dean continued by discussing the PUC's work in the area of gas pipeline safety. He also discussed the PUC's complaints and proceedings process. The committee discuseed how the public can better access PUC's proceedings.