Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper alongside Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed over $88 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for projects on U.S. Highway 160 (U.S. 160) in La Plata County and Interstate 76 (I-76) in Morgan County. This funding is made available through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Both I-76 and U.S. 160 are critical for freight transport, tourism, recreation and access to natural resources for economic livelihood,” said Bennet. “These grant awards, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, will be an important step toward making these gateways safer and more efficient for the Coloradans who rely on them.”
“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re connecting more of our communities and making transportation safer,” said Hickenlooper. “That means updating outdated intersections, bike lanes, highways, and evacuation routes across Colorado.”
“Part of our work to make Colorado one of the ten safest states includes safety on our roads. These two grants will help improve mobility, save Coloradans time, and make needed improvements on major roadways in La Plata and Morgan County. I applaud the Biden administration and our federal delegation for their commitment to strengthening Colorado roadways,” said Polis.
Through the INFRA grant, La Plata County will receive $58,940,000 for safety and mobility improvements to a designated freight corridor and primary regional commuting route between Durango and Bayfield on U.S. 160. Improvements along this corridor are expected to significantly reduce injury and fatal collisions, severe crashes, and run-off road collisions. The project is a priority for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, local residents, the State of Colorado and wildlife advocates. Morgan County will receive $29,190,000 to improve the efficiency, safety and mobility of I-76, a critical freight route and key economic driver in Colorado as part of the National Freight Highway Network and National Highway System.
“We thank our federal partners for helping us advance these key rural road projects. Improving the safety and condition of our vast rural road network is a top priority for the Polis Administration, and securing major grants like these is a major step forward,” said Shoshana Lew, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation.
“We thank Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper as well as Governor Polis for their steadfast advocacy and leadership in securing these funds which provide the bedrock for CDOT’s Highway 160 road expansion project,” said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. “These funds propel us toward safer journeys on our adjacent county roads as well, providing a more efficient traffic flow and fostering a harmonious coexistence with wildlife. These federal funds make it possible for a vital local project to move forward, cementing a legacy of progress and safety that resonates with every passing mile.”
This announcement follows the senators’ letters to DOT in support of these projects. In August 2023, Bennet and Hickenlooper urged DOT to consider Morgan County and La Plata County’s applications for funding.