Secretary LaHood was joined by Governor Ritter and Congressman Perlmutter for groundbreaking

June 30 U.S. Department of Transportation Press Release – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today broke ground on Colorado’s largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project to date, a major highway and bike path in the Denver metro area. The project will give drivers and bicyclists a smoother trip, offer more transportation options, and help put people back to work.

Improvements to C-470, which extends about 26 miles from I-25 in the south to I-70 in the west through Douglass and Jefferson counties, is considered the largest urban project in the Denver metro area to date. Vehicle traffic has grown from 40,000 vehicles per day in 2004 to 75,000 in 2008.

“This project is helping to put the Denver region on the road to economic recovery,” said Secretary LaHood. “The C-470 project is a great example of Metro Denver’s commitment to reducing highway congestion while also improving a very popular bike path that connects parks all over the area. When I talk about investing in livable communities across America, this is exactly what I mean.”

Livable communities can offer residents choices among different modes of travel — from highways to light rail to bike paths. The C-470 project is estimated to cost $22.3 million - $7 million of which is included for the bike path. The work will include the resurfacing and rehabilitation of nine miles of roadway and various sections of the bicycle path throughout the entire stretch. The bicycle path is separate and continuous alongside the entire length of the corridor and serves about 200,000 commuters and recreational users annually.

“We are honored to host Secretary LaHood as we break ground on one of the largest roadway projects in Colorado to be funded by the Recovery Act,” said Governor Bill Ritter. “The launch of the C-470 project is another important example of how Colorado is quickly putting the Recovery Act to work to create jobs, reboot the economy and invest in a modern transportation system.”

“This project is key to easing traffic congestion and ensuring access to the metro area for commuters and recreational users,” said Congressman Ed Perlmutter. “Investments in these types of projects are already helping our aging infrastructure and saving and creating good paying jobs for the 7th Congressional District and Colorado.”

Of the $26.6 billion in ARRA highway funds available nationwide, Colorado’s share is $385.3 million. To date, Colorado has obligated $243.9 million of its highway dollars under ARRA.

ARRA funding for highway projects may be used for restoration, repair, construction, and other activities under the Surface Transportation Program. Each proposed project must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Governors must certify that proposed projects meet certain conditions and that the state will use ARRA funds in addition to, not in replacement of, state funding of transportation projects.

Priority is given to projects that are projected to be completed within three years, are located in economically distressed areas, or will maximize job creation and economic benefits.