OOIDA Call to Action - Colorado members
February 6, 2009

Colorado truckers: Urgent action is needed on a transportation bill that includes provisions that must be eliminated. Contact your state representative now.

The Colorado Senate has already given their permission to advance the bill to the House that would allow some freeways in the state to be turned into toll roads and enter into agreements with private groups for toll roads. These are the same players we see in Indiana – Cintra-Macquarie – that control the Toll Road.

The Colorado Legislature has no business ever giving permission to toll existing highways under any circumstances. Groups such as Cintra-Macquarie, which have an economic interest in partnering with states, are working hard and spending tons of money to persuade lawmakers that privatization of roads is the way to go. We do not agree.

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, you are encouraged to contact your state representative and let them know that tolling existing highways is a form of double taxation. Truckers and others already pay federal taxes and user fees that contribute to the upkeep of interstate highways.

Allowing private businesses to lease roadways and be guaranteed profitable toll increases on the backs of highways users? No way!

Please take time now to contact your state representative about these issues. The bill – SB108 – soon will be in a House committee and could be up for consideration on the House floor shortly thereafter.

For contact info on your state representative, click here.