|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
 Custom Search
|
Leave Tax Payers Out of Private Toll Roads by Rob Medina Ex-Governor Owens and other pro-development municipalities continue to spout that the beltway link is somehow inevitable -- especially now that Brisa, the 500-pound gorilla is in the room with all their millions. But, nothing is inevitable unless citizens say so. Owens says the Northwest Parkway is, "... a model of public-private partnership that brings additional resources for public needs." Hey Bill, I've got news for you. The Northwest Parkway toll road was the biggest tolling scam in state history. Maybe you made money, but state and Broomfield tax payers were scammed. Consider the beltway toll road extension through Arvada will cost $600 million to build, and Brisa will only pay about 10%, leaving tax payers to pick up $500 million. But, Owens and pro-development politicians don't mention the heavy tax subsidies that will be required. CDOT has conceded that toll revenues will not be sufficient to build and maintain a beltway toll road in Jeffco. The incredible fact is that a beltway is not needed. There has NEVER been any quantifiable data or study that demonstrates a need -- NONE. 20 years of data clearly shows that improving existing streets to 4 lanes, including SH93 and Indiana/McIntyre is the most cost efficient plan, and actually provides better traffic flow. These improvements could actually become the de-facto beltway. The economics behind this is land use. Northwest Jeffco will never be another Highlands Ranch. The majority of acres in this area Pro-development politicians want a toll road through Arvada to promote development. This is corporate welfare at its worst. We do not use tax money to subsidize roads for a development benefit. CDOT's mission is to improve mobility and relieve congestion; not to promote toll roads for development. On a bigger issue, do we really want to begin privatizing our infrastructure? Broomfield is subservient to a foreign company (Brisa) for 99 years. Any elected official that supports a beltway toll road is fiscally irresponsible. Toll roads in Colorado exist in a climate of corruption that scam tax payers, and we should be wary. November 2008 is an election year. I urge Jeffco voters to consider "new blood' for county commissioners, and to support candidates who are fiscally responsible with transportation planning. Finally, ex-Governor Owens should be ashamed to use his past connections to promote toll roads. (I'm glad this guy is gone).
|
|
The following organizations endorse CINQ’s position: Colorado Environmental Coalition, Plan Jeffco, Friends of the Foothills, Canyon Area Residents for the Environment (CARE), Blue Mountain Land & Homeowners Association, Apple Meadows Homeowners Association, Village at Mountain Ridge Homeowners Association, Meadow Run Homeowners Association, and Harmony Village Community Association. |