Mick for Mayor

Printed From: http://www.mickformayor.com/page_36

Mick for Mayor

Transportation: Position Paper

Are we ready to live with a six-lane highway running up the Roaring Fork Valley? That may be the choice we're facing sooner rather than later without the proper leadership on transportation.

Currently, we are facing a transportation crisis. Twice-a-day backups, entangling locals, visitors and commuters have become all too common. We can't expect guests to return if they are regularly caught in traffic jams riding the bus between Snowmass Village and Aspen.

I will design my transportation policies specifically to increase capacity with realignment of Highway 82 along the voter-approved modified-direct route, with one lane for traffic and one lane dedicated to bus traffic. This will increase capacity by putting a median between the upvalley and downvalley lanes - the Colorado Department of Transportation estimates that the simple act of separating highway lanes with a median increases capacity by 36 percent. The dedicated bus lanes will give those on public transit an advantage when traffic does slow down.

In addition to increasing capacity, we must also work on decreasing demand. We can do that by working with contractors and Pitkin County government on construction mitigation plans, building more affordable housing in the city center and reexamining our existing transportation policies. I will immediately have the timing of lights and the current alignment examined for ways to help ease the backups we're experiencing today.

Finally, I will work with other communities to boost RFTA's capacity. The Bus Rapid Transit proposal that's been brewing for several years now is really our only alternative to a six-lane highway. By building a dedicated transit corridor between Rifle and Aspen, we will have options available to us in the future - including commuter rail - that will keep the six-lane monster and all the parking garages that come with it, at bay. RFTA carries 35-40 percent of commutersduring peak travel hours, so it's important to support both the agency and this proposal.

In 1993 when traffic reached unacceptable levels, Aspen and Pitkin County undertook transportation planning that expanded public transit and actually reduced the number of autos coming across the Castle Creek Bridge each day. It is only today that those unacceptable levels of traffic trips per day - have returned. Thoughtful transportation planning works and I have the experience to lead the community on this vital issue.

For 10 years, I've represented this region on the State Transportation Advisory Committee. My position there was important in securing funding for the roundabout and the new Maroon Creek Bridge. My record extends to public transportation as well. I worked with rural leaders from around the state to negotiate with the state legislature to write the enabling legislation that allowed RFTA to become a truly regional service that is supported financially by communities from Aspen to New Castle.

I also helped lead the effort to refurbish and promote Pitkin County Airport, luring more carriers and encouraging more daily flights in andout of Aspen. By making the airport more attractive to airlines and travelers, we reduce the number of cars driven here by visitors wholand in Eagle, Grand Junction and Denver.

I have a long and proven track record of experience and outcomes on Transportation. As mayor, I will continue to work on this critical issue for the city and its residents.