by Rob Rynerson
By a vote of 5 to 2, the Local Government Affairs Committee of the Colorado Senate approved Senate Bill 176, a first step in advancing a State Assembly measure which sets up policies and financing for the Centennial State's share of improvements to the 'Southwest Chief' route through Southeastern Colorado. The Tuesday afternoon approval vote was bipartisan.
Senator Larry Crowder (R), a committee member and sponsor of the bill was joined in presenting it by Senator Leroy Garcia (D).
Members voting to advance the bill: Larry Crowder (R), John Kefalas (D), Kerry Donovan (D), Lucia Guzman (D), Beth Martinez Huminek (R).
Members voting against the bill: David Balmer (R), Vicki Marble (R).
Members who supported the bill generally shared ColoRail's view that the 'Southwest Chief' offers a unique service in an area of the state that is struggling economically and that with a reroute to serve
Pueblo, it is a building block toward Front Range service.
Senator Marble, who chaired the meeting, expressed during a break that her Northern Colorado constituents want money spent on highway improvements first.
Senator Balmer, representing part of Arapahoe County, was concerned about national issues and asked questions about the feasibility of defunding Amtrak completely.
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