Telephone Town Hall Offering Citizens Forum to Talk Transportation in Southwest Colorado

April 15, 2014 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - DURANGO – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hosting a telephone town hall next week for the residents of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties, providing them with an opportunity to ask questions and provide input about their regional transportation priorities.

On Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m., citizens living in southwestern Colorado will be called at random through an automated system and invited to take part in the telephone forum.  Anyone who wants to participate but did not receive a call can dial in, toll-free, at 1-877-229-8493, PIN 112034. Those who choose to join the call will have the chance to express their thoughts and ask questions about transportation.  Participants also will be able to use their keypad to answer live polls.

“The telephone town hall is providing an innovative and convenient forum for the citizens of southwestern Colorado to discuss transportation,” said La Plata County Commissioner Robert “Bobby” Lieb Jr. “Expanding transit services and improving conditions for bicyclist and other users of our transportation system are just two of many important issues that need to be discussed as part of the transportation planning process.”

CDOT is hosting the telephone town halls for residents in all 64 counties through early June.  Coloradans are being encouraged to join the conversation and express their thoughts on how CDOT should focus its limited funding, discuss the link between transportation and the economy, and weigh in on regional priorities.

“I am particularly happy to have this opportunity to hear from area residents about their priorities and what’s at the top of their list of transportation system needs,” said Colorado Transportation Commissioner Sidny Zink.  “I share concerns with regard to traffic flow, safety and especially freight traffic.  Trucks are essential for healthy commerce, but the impact to the roads is serious.  On top of that, there is a keen appreciation for the importance of tourist traffic north and south on Highway 550 and east and west on Highway 160.”