Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) announced the Department of Transportation (DOT) will award the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in partnership with the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, a $225,000 grant through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. This funding will go toward the Southwest Chief Thru-Car Service to Colorado Springs Feasibility Study.
“I am thankful for the partnership over the years between local, state, and Congressional leaders on preserving the Southwest Chief’s services, and I am committed to continuing to invest in our rural infrastructure,” said Bennet. “This grant will allow CDOT and the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission to explore the ways in which we can improve accessibility and to continue to provide vital services to rural Coloradans.”
“For years, I have worked with my colleagues and our state and local partners to support the Southwest Chief and today’s announcement is exciting news,” said Gardner. “I’m pleased that the Department of Transportation awarded this grant to study the feasibility of extending service, which has the potential to bolster transportation connectivity and support our communities.”
Bennet and Gardner wrote to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on December 11, 2019 requesting full and fair consideration for funding of the Southwest Chief Thru-Car Service to Colorado Springs Feasibility Study.