Over 1400 Coloradans Encourage Governor to Sign SB-197

Bill Would Increase Transparency and Public Protections in Private Road Deals

CoPIRG

A week after the Colorado Legislature approved a bill, SB-197, that would increase transparency and public protections in future private road deals, 1400 Coloradans from across the state have signed a petition calling for the Governor to sign the bipartisan bill into law.

“It is clear that there needs to be improvements in how Colorado pursues public-private partnerships (PPPs) to build and maintain roads,” said Danny Katz, Director of CoPIRG. “SB-197 creates good public protections in private road deals. It’s not perfect but it’s a good step forward.”

As Colorado decision makers grapple with significant funding challenges for the state’s transportation system, partnerships with private, for-profit companies are increasingly seen as a solution for financing. To ensure the public interest is protected, which would include ensuring high levels of transparency, value, efficiency and safety, CoPIRG released a set of principles in January for any public-private partnership for transportation projects. 

 “SB-197 limits the risk of a bad deal for Colorado by increasing transparency and oversight, and banning some of the most egregious clauses that have been used in other PPP’s to undermine local decision-making authority,” said Katz.   

CoPIRG highlighted that SB-197 adds a number of public protections including:

• Increases transparency in private road deals by providing the public clearer information on the costs and alternatives.
• Requires public participation opportunities at three key stages in the development of any deal.
• Increases oversight of private road deals by requiring more communication with state legislators and adding Senate confirmation to the appointment process for the Board of the High-Performance Transportation Enterprise, which is responsible for private road deals.
• Bans the worst “non-compete” clauses that undermine local decision-making authority and penalize the public if a road is shut down due to weather or an emergency.
• Reduces the risks associated with long-term deals by setting the expectation that deals should be no longer than 35 years. Any proposal for a deal longer than 35 years will require General Assembly approval.

“These are basic public protections that should be a part of every private road deal the state pursues. Given the concern raised around U.S. 36 in February, passing this bill is a good step forward and shows Coloradans that their elected representatives heard those concerns and acted,” said Katz. 

CoPIRG calls on Governor Hickenlooper to sign the bill into law.