By Ali Longwell | The Post Independent
Colorado lawmakers are looking to add a fee to car insurance policies that would raise funds for road infrastructure aimed at reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife, pedestrians and cyclists.
The idea is being floated as part of a bill co-sponsored by Reps. Andrew Boesenecker, a Larimer County Democrat, and Meghan Lukens, a Steamboat Springs Democrat, and Sens. Faith Winter, a Front Range Democrat, and Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat.
“This bill creates a sustainable solution to a serious public safety problem,” Lukens said. “This bill will save lives, prevent injuries, reduce insurance costs, and protect the wildlife that defines our state. It’s a responsible investment that pays for itself many times over.”
The “Motor Vehicle Collision Prevention” bill cleared its first hurdle, passing through the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, April 1 before heading to the finance committee.
The bill proposes creating a new enterprise within the Colorado Department of Transportation and a dedicated stream of funding for infrastructure projects like traffic calming measures, bike lanes, safety projects and wildlife passages.