OOIDA Call to Action - Colorado members
March 25, 2008

Attention: Colorado truckers! The Colorado Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to discuss two bills Thursday, March 27, that would add tolls to Interstate 70.

Please take time now to contact the committee members about the two bills – SB209 and SB213 – that would authorize toll lanes to be added to I-70 between Floyd Hill and the Eisenhower Tunnel.

SB 209 would establish a congestion pricing system with tolls being assessed on weekends during peak driving hours. “Longer vehicles” would be required to pay higher tolls. In addition, it would designate I-70 as a high-occupancy toll lane highway and authorize reversible lanes.

SB 213 would authorize vehicles to be charged up to $5 to use the stretch of roadway. The bill also would allow tolls to be adjusted for inflation. Funds from the tolls would mostly be used for improvements in the corridor.

It is important to point out to the committee members that taxpayers have already paid for the existing highway system and facilities with state and federal highway user fees. Adding tolls on such roads would represent double taxation and be unfair to constituents.

Truck-dependent businesses along toll roads also would be put at a significant economic disadvantage. In addition, adding tolls would increase costs for consumers and businesses. As a result, Colorado would be a less-attractive option for companies.

Mandatory tolls have other detrimental effects. They create two classes of drivers: those who can afford to pay tolls and those who cannot. They also cause diversion of traffic to other, often less safe, roads.

You are encouraged to share these concerns with members of the Senate Transportation Committee. The March 27 meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chambers at the Capitol. If you are unable to attend, each member’s contact information is listed below. Your phone calls and e-mails can make a difference.

Each member’s contact information is listed below.

Sen. Stephanie Takis, chairwoman
Phone: (303) 866-4855
E-mail: stephanie.takis.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Suzanne Williams, vice chairwoman
Phone: (303) 866-3432
E-mail: suzanne.williams.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Dan Gibbs
Phone: (303) 866-4873
E-mail: dan.gibbs.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Bob Hagedorn
Phone: (303) 866-4879
E-mail: senbob@msn.com

Sen. Shawn Mitchell
Phone: (303) 866-4876
E-mail: shawnmitch@aol.com

Sen. Scott Renfroe
Phone: (303) 866-4451
E-mail: scott.renfroe.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Nancy Spence
Phone: (303) 866-4883
E-mail: nancyspence@qwest.net