FasTracks Moving Full-Speed Ahead

Four years into the 12-year FasTracks transit expansion build-out, many of you are looking for signs of progress. These signs have already started to take shape along the West Corridor line through Denver and Lakewood, where construction crews have been clearing the path for the rail line and building new bridges to carry trains and pedestrians. However, with major construction on the majority of the FasTracks lines still one to two years away, it's important to take note of the major, less-visible work that has already taken place.

In 2009, FasTracks is right on schedule for completion of the entire system by 2017. As we continue to work through the financial challenges and seek additional funding to complete the program, rest assured that FasTracks is moving full-speed ahead. At the April 21 RTD Board meeting alone, the RTD Board of Directors approved nine items to keep individual projects and the entire FasTracks schedule moving forward. These include:

• Approval to release North Metro Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement
• Approval for West Corridor to proceed with full construction
• Approval of West Corridor systems construction contract
• Approval to issue Eagle Project (East Corridor/Gold Line) Request for Proposals
• Approval for construction funding for Denver Union Station Phase 1 construction
• Recommendation for property transactions needed for Denver Union Station
• Approval of utility relocations for Denver Union Station
• Approval of Elati Maintenance Facility Expansion construction contract
• Approval of $7.7 million budget for US36 BRT Phase 2

Every month, the RTD Board makes decisions on critical items like these that keep FasTracks moving forward.

It's no secret that we are all facing one of the most challenging economic times in history. The FasTracks program has experienced these same economic woes, and the team has joined with regional leaders to work on overcoming the challenges. What we have determined over several months of analysis, is that FasTracks is a critical investment that will keep our region strong - both now and in the future. FasTracks will be our region's own economic stimulus package, creating more than 10,000 jobs. And, economists estimate that every $1 invested in transit development injects up to $6 dollars into the local economy. That's an economic driver that will benefit our whole region.

Over the next few months, the RTD Board will make a final decision about whether or not and when to seek an additional tax increase to complete FasTracks by 2017. In the meantime, we will keep our focus on investing your tax dollars into the local economy and ensuring that every aspect of FasTracks stays on-track.