Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “I–70 Detour Act”.
I–70 Detour Act
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the significant improvements and potential alternatives necessary to offset extended closures associated with Interstate Route 70, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Findings
Congress finds the following:
Interstate Route 70 is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and a major east-west interstate highway that runs through and connects 10 different states from Baltimore, Maryland, to Cove Fort, Utah.
Because of natural hazards, Interstate Route 70 through Glenwood experiences significant closures that last greater than 1 week, three or four times a decade.
Substantial improvements to existing roads and possible alternative routes should be studied and then funded in a timely manner to ensure the continuation of commerce as well as the safe movement of goods and people in the event that Interstate Route 70 is shut down again in the future.
Closures of Interstate Route 70 are extremely costly, with an economic impact estimated at $1 million per hour.
At this time, the local counties directly impacted by these closures and some of the alternatives proposed in this bill prefer for any county route or county road impacted by this bill to remain under county control and not become a state highway.
Sec. 3 Alternatives
Report—
In general— As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a report with recommendations for significant improvements and potential alternatives necessary to offset extended closures associated with Interstate Route 70, including—
at least 1 alternative that includes the possibility of improving Catherine’s Store Road, as proposed by Garfield County, Colorado;
at least 1 alternative that includes the possibility of improving the 6 spot locations to existing roads, as proposed by Eagle County, Colorado;
at least 1 alternative that includes the possibility of improving an existing road down Cottonwood Creek, as proposed by Eagle County stakeholders and the Colorado Department of Transportation;
at least 1 alternative that includes the possibility of improving Interstate Route 70 system resilience and reducing risks from nearby hazards; and
any other significant improvements and alternatives proposed by Garfield County, Colorado, Eagle County, Colorado, the Colorado Department of Transportation, or the Secretary before the date of enactment of this Act.
Contents— The report required under paragraph (1) shall include information regarding the cost and feasibility of each alternative or improvement described in such report.
Legislation—
In general— Not later than 60 days after the Secretary submits the report to Congress under subsection (a), the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate shall produce legislation based on the recommendations provided by the Secretary in such report.
Authorization of appropriations— The legislation produced under paragraph (1) shall include a provision to authorize appropriations to carry out any activities authorized in such legislation.
Consideration— Not later than 60 days after producing legislation under paragraph (1), the committees referred to in such paragraph shall move to consider such legislation.