Local leaders are scrambling to bring together the funding and political support to create new intercity rail service in the fast-growing region.

In a piece for Governing, Jared Brey outlines the potentially bright future of a new passenger rail line proposed between Pueblo and Fort Collins in Colorado.
The train could be a boon to the “budding megaregion” that is home to almost three quarters of the state’s population and has widespread support. According to Brey, “Regional leaders have lined up behind it. Gov. Jared Polis campaigned on it. Amtrak supports it. The state Legislature established a Front Range Passenger Rail District with significant independent powers, and a board of directors chaired by Souby. New funding is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
Meanwhile, “Congestion has gotten steadily worse as the region has grown. And the increase in car traffic has contributed to the region’s worsening air quality, in “severe” violation of federal standards, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.” Jacob Riger, the long range transportation planning manager for the Denver Regional Council of Governments, says the region needs “viable alternatives to driving.”
Making the new line a reality will involve a ballot initiative for a new sales tax, coordination with the freight companies that own existing tracks, and grant applications for federal funding.
FULL STORY: New Colorado Rail Service Could Come Down to Politics and Timing

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City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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