DENVER – On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared how Colorado will benefit from federal funding for infrastructure.
Secretary Buttigieg announced nearly $20 million in funding for Denver International Airport, including $15 million to improve DIA’s baggage system.
“This is a complex multi-year project that most people will never see, but it will definitely impact how convenient travel is through DIA when it comes to checked baggage,” Buttigieg said. he said.
DIA has relied on a conveyor belt-based baggage system for more than 25 years, and airport officials report it is difficult to prevent breakdowns.
Back in March, 2,000 pieces of baggage were not delivered to the airline due to a system issue.
“We remain committed to making sure we support the physical improvements Denver needs,” Buttigieg said, adding that the federal government will also invest in improving freight and passenger rail service.
“Even if you don’t think about freight every day, it affects the price you pay in the store. Part of the reason we’ve been able to reverse inflation is improvements in the supply chain,” Buttigieg said.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation announces funding for infrastructure improvements in Colorado
Colorado leaders announced $66 million will be earmarked to revive the elusive Denver to Boulder passenger rail project.
Finally, Buttigieg said the federal government will invest $47 million in improvements to US-287, and some of that money will go toward creating Animal Crossing.
“These improvements along Route 287 are going to save lives, but I’m not just talking about wildlife lives. But part of the reason we’re doing this is because wildlife vehicles Because collisions endanger American lives and cause untold amounts of property damage every year, we are improving fence lines and adding intersections along several miles of Route 287. “We’re going to make it a safer place to drive,” Buttigieg said.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 33 percent of accidents along Route 287 are due to collisions with wildlife.
Denver7 previously reported on the state’s efforts to reduce wildlife conflicts, including a new underpass built as part of the I-25 South Gap project in Douglas County.
See how Colorado is leading the way in current and future wildlife crossings in the video player below.
Colorado is becoming a leader in wildlife crossing construction – and more to come
Coloradans Making a Difference | Featured Videos from Denver7
Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our communities by standing up for what’s right, listening, reaching out and keeping our promises. See it in action in the video above.
