[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DENVER REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT

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                          HON. DAVID E. SKAGGS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, as I travel my district and the State of 
Colorado, I sense increasing anxiety over the rapid growth we are 
experiencing. The West generally, and Colorado in particular, are 
growing at a pace that places severe pressure on the environment and 
poses some threat to the quality of life of which we are so proud.
  Coloradans I talk to understand the need to meet the challenges of 
growth with alternatives that go beyond reliance on new road 
construction alone. They have a special commitment to maintaining a 
clean environment and fear the traffic congestion and delays which come 
with dramatic population growth. Support is building for more rapid 
transit alternatives, including light rail, car pool lanes, and high 
speed bus lanes.
  Today I commend the Denver Regional Transportation District [RTD] for 
its effective leadership in pressing forward with critical new transit 
projects. The recent opening of the Downtown Express bus and HOV lanes, 
coupled with the inaugural runs of the new light rail system today, are 
testament to RTD's commitment to meeting head on two of the most vexing 
problems we face--air pollution and traffic congestion. Today's Grand 
Opening and those to follow in other high priority transit development 
corridors reflect strong public support and the wisdom of local and 
regional planners.
  Hats off to RTD for the sound financial management that has delivered 
this project and the Downtown Express on time and on budget, and for 
providing the safe, clean, and efficient travel alternative that has 
earned its distinction as one of the best transit systems in all 
America. This is especially remarkable given that RTD's service area of 
six counties and 39 municipalities encompasses 2,300 square miles and 2 
million residents--one of the largest transit districts in the Nation. 
Unlike most other metropolitan areas which have experienced sagging 
ridership in recent years, RTD has posted 7 consecutive years of growth 
and a 5.6 percent increase just last year. Ken Hotard, Chairman of the 
RTD Board of Directors, the rest of the Board, as well as Peter 
Cipolla, RTD's General Manager, and the entire RTD staff deserve high 
commendation for their achievements and commitment to meet the 
challenges of the future.

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