UFR TPR June 4th, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Weld County Administration Building, Administration Events Room, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Attendance: REP. CON. GABE EVANS OFFICE Adrienne Sandoval, LARIMER COUNTY Eric Tracy, Kristin Stephens, Nicole Hahn, WELD COUNTY Denise Staley, Evan Pinkham, Kevin Ross, Lynette Peppler, Samantha Brown, CDOT Cecil Gutierrez, Chris Boespflug, CDOT Gina Fox, Heather Paddock, James Usher, Josie Thomas, Katrina Kloberdanz, Lou Keen, Maggie Brown, Medora Bornhoft, Rich Christy, Sanjiv Gupta, Spencer York, DOLA Chris LaMay, FRCC Jean Millard, Susan Baillargeon, MULLER ENG Cody Davis, NECALG Charles Bunnell, Karissa Coe, NFRMPO Becky Karasko, Elizabeth Relford, Mykayla Graalum, CITY OF BRUSH/TOWN OF HILLROSE Dale Colerick, ESTES PARK David Greear, FORT LUPTON Chris Cross, KERSEY Stacy Brown, PLATTEVILLE Troy Renken, WELLINGTON Bob Gowing, Cody Bird, Ed Cannon.
Introductions and Determination of Quorum - Vice Chair Commissioner Ross
Vice Chair Commissioner Ross called the meeting to order at 1:00pm. Introductions were made around the room, and a quorum was determined to be present
Entities present
Larimer County, Weld County, CDOT, City of Brush/Town of Hillrose, Estes Park, Fort Lupton, Kersey, Platteville, and Wellington.
Approval of UFRTPR March 5, 2026, Meeting Minutes – Vice Chair Commissioner Ross
Motion: Approve March 5th, 2026, Meeting Minutes. Motion was moved by: Chris Cross and seconded by: Troy Renken. Motion passed unanimously.
Transportation Commissioner Announcements (Cecil Gutierrez, CDOT)
Commissioner Gutierrez announced that the 10-Year Plan (YP) was adopted last month. One project that was controversial on this plan was the I-25 North Corridor Project. The Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) has developed a funding plan and will be working with Build America Bureau to help with financing to move this project forward. The Interstate 270 Corridor Improvements Project is still in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and the CTIO is waiting for that to be completed to determine a funding plan as they move forward. The future funding for Bustang is also still in the works.
UFRTPR Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant Award Cycle Discussion (Evan Pinkham, Weld County)
UFR members discussed the annual CMAQ funding allocation, which has traditionally alternated between Weld and Larimer counties. With Weld County scheduled for the current year’s allocation and prior‑year funds still available, the group considered revisiting the funding model. Evan proposed moving away from the year‑to‑year rotation and exploring a multi‑year funding bundle to support a more competitive project selection process using defined criteria such as return on investment, likelihood of on‑time delivery, need, and overall impact.
Maggie Brown (CDOT) noted that awarding funds several years in advance is standard practice for CDOT and other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) and Transportation Planning Regions (TPR’s). She emphasized benefits such as improved project planning time, reduced risk of losing Federal funds that must be obligated within four years, and the ability to lock in costs sooner to mitigate inflation impacts. She added that end‑of‑year financial reconciliations may slightly reduce available funds but can be managed with good planning. Maggie also mentioned that the recent Transportation Re‑Authorization bill retained the CMAQ program with proposed changes, which she sees as a positive sign for continued funding stability.
The group raised several questions, including how a competitive funding process would be developed and whether that framework should be designed before making any decisions. Members also discussed concerns about ensuring that projected funding levels would be sufficient, given that available amounts can fluctuate. The group also noted that bundling multiple years of funding could allow for larger awards, making it possible to support higher‑value projects that might not be feasible within a single year’s allocation. After considering whether to act at this meeting, the group agreed to hold off in order to fully evaluate all options. The item will be brought back for further discussion at the September 2026 meeting.
Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) Update (Medora Bornhoft, CDOT)
Medora provided an update on the MMOF program, explaining that two recently passed bills have significantly affected funding. House Bill 1399 eliminated three years of general fund transfers to MMOF, reducing funding by $10.5 million for FY 2027–2029, though the Retail Delivery Fee will continue as a revenue source. House Bill 1398 also impacted funding by reducing the local share allocated to TPR’s and MPO’s from 85% to 70%. Updated interest earnings and revised Retail Delivery Fee projections have been incorporated into CDOT’s forecast, and while funding levels for 2030 and beyond remain unchanged, the legislature could modify them in the future. As a result of these changes, the state program allocation will increase to 30% to maintain Bustang funding, while local program funds will see a 48.3% reduction from FY 2027–2029 and a 17.7% reduction in later years. CDOT’s administrative fund reserves are nearly depleted, prompting a proposal to set aside $900,000 from local MMOF funds for administrative support, with a 3% annual increase. Unlike the previous funding sweep, CDOT does not recommend reconciling project awards by fiscal year; instead, current awards will remain whole and be extended over future years using forecasted amounts, with the option for projects to advance up to two years of future funding when phases are ready. Medora emphasized the need for local agencies to maintain consistent communication with CDOT Project Managers, provide schedule updates, and submit all outstanding invoices by June 30, 2026. No action was required at the meeting, though CDOT recommends withholding new award decisions until 2027 for FY 2031 funds.
Front Range Community College Workforce Education Resources (Susan Baillargeon, FRCC)
Susan requested time during today’s meeting to provide an overview of the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) offered through Front Range Community College. She described LTAP as a “three‑legged stool” consisting of:
• Workforce Development – providing training opportunities for local agencies.
• Technical Assistance – including an equipment loan program, a lending library, a safety circuit rider, and project coordination support for grants and funding.
• Information Exchange – offering innovation contests, conference sponsorships, and workshops to support local agencies.
Susan’s primary goal was to raise awareness among local agencies that LTAP’s services and resources are available to them. She also highlighted that LTAP currently offers the only opportunity in the country for Public Works professionals to earn an associate’s degree in highway maintenance management.
Sanjiv Gupta spoke next, representing CDOT and his work with Colorado LTAP and the Safety Circuit Rider program. His focus is on reducing the frequency and severity of crashes. Sanjiv works with local communities to identify high-risk locations, conduct assessments, and assist with safety audits. He presented recent crash data from the UFR region to illustrate the type of support he can provide.
Jean Millard, Colorado LTAP’s project and funding coordinator, also presented. She emphasized that her services are offered at no cost to local agencies. Jean encouraged agencies to contact her directly for assistance with the funding application process, including identifying the most suitable grant opportunities for their specific projects.
Local Agency Project Status Report (CDOT)
Josie Thomas presented the Local Agency Project Report, which outlines the status of federal-aid highway projects for local agencies. She asked attendees to pay special attention to any projects marked with a red Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) date, noting that this indicates the project has expired or is nearing expiration. Josie encouraged agencies to review these items promptly and take any necessary action.
Community Roundtable
City of Brush/ (Dale Colerick)The City of Brush is preparing their streets for some surface treatments later this year but otherwise has been quiet.
Estes Park (David Greear) In Estes Park the summer season has begun, the shuttles are running and the paid parking is going, and they have had tons of visitors.
Fort Lupton (Chris Cross) In Fort Lupton, CDOT is completing many projects for some much-needed road improvements.
Town of Hillrose (Dale Colerick)The Town of Hillrose reported a quiet period and is currently focused on routine road blading.
Kersey (Stacy Brown) The Town of Kersey reported that they are actively pursuing grant opportunities and completing several local projects, including roadway striping and re-paving. They are also developing a town-wide sign plan to ensure compliance with reflectivity standards and creating a paving index plan to guide future maintenance efforts. Additionally, Kersey is coordinating with Weld County and CDOT on activities in the WCR 49 and US 34 area.
Platteville (Troy Renken) Platteville shared that they have hired a part-time Main Streets Manager and are working toward achieving official status as an Achieving Community Member. Although it will be a long process, this designation could open the door to additional grant funding and enhanced support for Main Street businesses. The town is also pursuing multiple grants for community improvements, including a $2,500,000 Community Project Funding request from Representative Gabe Evans to construct a new police station. In addition, Platteville recently completed a walk audit with Weld County, during which participants evaluated the safety and accessibility of streets throughout the town.
Wellington (Ed Cannon) Ed, who serves as a Trustee for the Town of Wellington, shared that the town has officially begun the Cleveland Avenue and Highway 1 construction project, which will enhance pedestrian safety and improve local drainage. In addition, Wellington’s Main Street Program recently received national recognition — an accomplishment the community is extremely proud of.
Larimer County (Commissioner Stephens) Commissioner Stephens provided several updates on Larimer County transportation projects. For the Owl Canyon Project, the segment from LCR 11 to LCR 13 has completed design, which has been submitted to CDOT, and construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027. The segment from LCR 13 to LCR 15 is currently in design and right‑of‑way acquisition, with construction expected in Fall 2027. The segment from LCR 9 to LCR 11 has a completed design; however, it was removed from the County’s 5‑Year Plan due to the transportation sales tax not passing.
Commissioner Stephens also noted progress on several Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) projects. Guardrail installations on LCR 56, LCR 74E, and LCR 38E are complete, and additional guardrail work on LCR 74E and LCR 69 are expected in the summer and fall of 2026.
For the Bingham Hill Widening Project, construction is anticipated in Spring 2027. Regarding their Bridge Improvement Program (BIP), the County has selected a consultant who will begin the feasibility study soon and then will prepare the grant funding application.
Weld County (Vice-Chair Commissioner Ross) Weld County reported progress on several transportation and infrastructure projects. Work continues on WCR 77 from Briggsdale to Grover, and the County is actively seeking funding for the planned roundabout at WCR 59 and SH 52. Railroad improvements are also moving forward in partnership with the Town of Hudson at WCR 51 and the I‑76 frontage road. Multiple roadway projects are advancing through the RFP process, including widening a four‑mile section of WCR 66 between US 85 and WCR 47 to a four‑lane concrete roadway, as well as improvements along WCR 54 from SH 257 West to the County Line. Roundabout projects at WCR 54 and WCR 13, and at WCR 17 and WCR 34, are progressing. Additionally, the 1601 application for US 34 and WCR 17 has been submitted to CDOT; the project is approximately 30% complete. WCR 9½ is also making steady progress, with roundabouts graded, paving underway, and drainage work completed. The County was awarded a $500,000 Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant through the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EAIF) to support drainage and roadway improvements on WCR 74 in Galeton. Finally, U.S. Congressman Gabe Evans announced $3,500,000 million in Federal funding for the Greeley‑Weld County Airport to support new taxiway construction, enhancing the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub and supporting economic growth in Northern Colorado.
CDOT (Heather Paddock) CDOT reported that the grant agreement for the I‑76 project with Morgan County has been signed, allowing the project to move forward with an advertisement expected later this summer. Maintenance crews recently completed repairs on US 34 near Dearfield, though the roadway remains in poor condition. A 10‑Year Plan project for this section is approved, including $10 million for new passing lanes and another $10 million for surface treatment, with construction anticipated in about two years. CDOT also received grant funding for SH 287 in Larimer County. One project has been completed, and another is expected to go to advertisement in October 2026.
Public or Additional Comments:
Vice-Chair Commissioner Ross reminded everyone that the Greeley Stampede is approaching, and that Weld County is celebrating a unique triple anniversary with America’s 250th, Colorado’s 150th, and Weld County’s 165th anniversary. It was also noted that Weld County will sponsor Greeley Friday Fest on July 17th as part of its Justice Center outreach. The event will feature an ’80s and Back to the Future theme, including appearances by the DeLorean, Marty McFly’s Toyota pickup, and repairing the clock tower that has long been stopped.
Next meeting is September 3rd, 2026, in Morgan County.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 2:21 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Samantha Brown
Secretary