GOP Backs Off Plan To Strip Money From Transit
DENVER (AP) -- A Colorado Republican has backed off his plan to strip funding from Colorado transit and bicycle lanes in favor of highways and bridges.
Rep. Jon Becker of Fort Morgan suggested a bill to redirect higher vehicle registration fees approved in 2009 to only fund roads, not transit and cycling projects. The so-called FASTER fees were aimed at boosting money for road repairs and transit expansion such as rail and bus service.
The Transportation Committee rejected Becker's idea after he told them counties and cities oppose it. A separate proposal to completely repeal the FASTER fees is still awaiting a hearing. Democrats control the Senate and governor's office and have expressed skepticism about tweaking the tag-fee spending plan.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)