Colorado Issues ‘Revitalizing Main Streets’ Grants

The Colorado Department of Transportation recently awarded grants from its Revitalizing Main Streets program to 31 transportation projects statewide; projects focused on improving safety and accessibility of streets and street spaces.

[Above photo by the Colorado DOT]

“Colorado’s vibrant main streets are bustling with activity and fun, and we are thrilled to continue our work supporting small businesses, saving Coloradans money, and improving the safety and convenience of main streets across Colorado with these important state investments,” said Governor Jared Polis (D) in a statement.

Shoshana Lew. Photo by the Colorado DOT.

“[We are] incredibly grateful for the high level of support that has made it possible for the continuation and expansion of this innovative program,” added Colorado DOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

“We are thrilled to be able to award double the number of projects this time around,” she said. “The creativity and passion put into these terrific projects will improve transportation for all modes of travel along main streets across Colorado.”

The agency’s Revitalizing Main Streets program – established in 2020 – seeks to help deliver “practical, simple projects” that help stimulate the economy and provide immediate business and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

The program also aims to support a transportation system that safely accommodates all modes of travel by improving transit access as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety. Its funding also seeks to connect urban/employment centers and multimodal transportation corridors to further foster local job growth.

“These community driven projects are a great illustration of multiple state agency programs working together to leverage support and funding opportunities for our resilient local partners across the state of Colorado,” noted Colorado DOT’s Lew.

Funding for the Revitalizing Main Streets program comes via a $30 million allocation made by Colorado’s legislature and signed into law by Governor Jared Polis (D) in March 2021.

The passage and signing of SB21-260 – the more than $5 billion “Sustainability of the Transportation System” legislative package – in June 2021 provides further funding to extend this program beyond the current grant cycle, the Colorado DOT noted.

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