President's Message


Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO

Highway crisis hits close to home

In the previous issue of this magazine, the highway funding crisis was addressed on a national level: the $50 billion annual cost of maintaining an outdated transportation network overwhelmed by increasing demand, the higher costs to come in the future, and the debate over where to find the money. (For those who missed this article, it can be found online at www.encompassmag.com under "Back Issues.") As the presidential election approaches, the future of our nation's transportation funding will be in the news more than ever.

Here in Colorado, the situation is no less serious. According to the Colorado Contractors' Association, each year our state highway system carries 3.3 million drivers for a total of 27.5 billion vehicle miles. Unfortunately, our bridge and highway system, and the process of maintaining it, were never designed to meet this level of demand.

Since 2001, motorists have seen a 38% decrease in funding for highways. One result is that the State Transportation Commission has been forced to cut its surface treatment program in half-after a record snowfall year that led to the greatest anticipated road and bridge repair needs in recent history. Colorado clearly lacks the funding needed to fix the problem. With our population projected to jump from today's 4.7 million to 5.7 million by 2030, the problem is only going to get worse. It is estimated that in 2030, Colorado will have $74 billion in transportation funds, yet the cost to sustain the system will be $125 billion.

Consider the following findings from The Road Information Program (TRIP), a national transportation nonprofit research group:

  • Nearly one-third of Colorado's major roads and highways have pavement in poor or mediocre condition.
  • Colorado has 122 (and counting) structurally deficient bridges throughout the state.
  • Thirty-nine of Colorado's 64 counties have at least one structurally deficient bridge.
  • Seventeen percent of bridges in Colorado show significant deterioration or do not meet current design standards.

    • If we don't act soon, we will quickly find ourselves having to make a tough choice, deciding which roads and bridges we should resuscitate and those we'll keep on life support in hope of a miraculous recovery. That is simply unacceptable.

    The problem of transportation funding will be a challenge in the coming years, at both state and national levels. AAA is committed to its role as an advocate for the needs of the motorist in this changing world. We will continue to work locally and in Washington to ensure that your voice is heard and that equitable solutions are found.

    Tony DeNovellis
    President and CEO