Colorado Roadway Funding Example
BY Sandy Lender
CAPA donates to roadway funding accountability
In the February 2025 edition of AsphaltPro Magazine, Tom Peterson, the executive director of the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (CAPA), shared multiple “wins” from the November 2024 election for agencies and road users in Colorado. He outlined how CAPA, with leadership from then-Director of Engineering Mike Skinner, P.E. CAE, supported cities and counties throughout the state in making the case to increase funding to maintain and improve the condition of streets and roads.
Skinner had shared, “Increased funding for streets and roads is a win-win for all involved. The citizens win with smoother, safer roads that are often tied to the mantra ‘No More Potholes.’ The local governments win by improving the street network and being able to stretch the taxpayer dollars by improving streets in fair condition for much less than rebuilding them [later]. The industry wins by having more tons to pave and [work for] their crews.”
The CAPA board of directors committed $100,000 to the Restore Our Roads Campaign to make better use of funding for road improvements in Colorado.
Unfortunately, regional funding initiatives haven’t resulted in high marks for the entire state. According to the Restore Our Roads campaign, “Roads and bridges that are deteriorated, congested or lack safety features, cost Colorado motorists a total of $11.4 billion statewide annually—as much as $3,060 per driver in some areas—due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays, flat tires and vehicle wear and tear. With only 34% of Colorado’s roads in ‘good’ condition—far below the national average—the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 report gave Colorado a D+ grade for its roads and highways. Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) faces a $350 million annual shortfall just to maintain existing conditions. At least $200 million is needed solely for pavement maintenance.”
While Skinner has since taken on the mantle of executive director for the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, the team at CAPA has not wavered in its commitment to helping citizens of the state enjoy better roads through the work of the association’s membership. At the end of 2025, the CAPA board of directors committed $100,000 to the Restore Our Roads Campaign to make better use of funding for road improvements in Colorado.
The campaign is designed to address roads and bridges in poor condition throughout the state by reallocating existing transportation taxes and fees to ensure they are used specifically for road maintenance and construction, without raising new taxes. The initiative seeks to secure sustainable funding for infrastructure improvements, addressing a significant funding shortfall faced by CDOT.
To that end, the campaign has developed a ballot measure, called Initiative 175, that will go through the signature petition process and propose an amendment to the state’s constitution. Amendment 22 to Section 1, article X, reads: “State revenue collected to support road transportation—required use.” If passed, it would mandate that road fees currently in place are used for road improvements, and a portion of sales tax on vehicle parts and equipment are also mandated for road use. CAPA shared that, if approved, the measure is expected to add an additional $1 billion per year of funding for road improvements.
CAPA 2025 President Stuart Ponting commented, “For too long, elected officials in Colorado have neglected the funding for road improvements. This measure will provide the needed funds to address priority problems in roadway condition, safety and congestion.”
The amendment, as written, gives a clear definition for the generated revenue, stating, “State revenue collected to support road transportation means (I) all sales and use or excise taxes or fees imposed and collected by the state on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuel; and (II) two-thirds (2/3) of states sales and use taxes imposed and collected by the state on motor vehicle parts, equipment, materials, and accessories that are affixed to a vehicle.”
As of Nov. 19, 2025, the Restore Our Roads program had announced and confirmed that the Colorado Construction Industry Coalition was moving forward to collect signatures on initiative 175. The immediate next step was to raise the funds needed to collect signatures on 175 and secure its placement on the 2026 ballot. The goal: to secure $2 million in pledges.
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By March, CAPA reported the initiative to have the measure on the November 2026 ballot continued to move forward and gain momentum, stating they are 75% of the way to the $2 million goal for the signature campaign.
“Those collecting signatures have shared that most voters are very surprised to learn that road fees collected in Colorado currently do not go for road improvements,” CAPA shared.
With the roadbuilding industry’s collective eye on infrastructure funding this year, it’s refreshing to see Colorado addressing the stewardship of tax dollars intended for such projects. The Restore Our Roads campaign has a unique opportunity to ensure funding is directed where it is supposed to go. The petition process and ballot measure will be exercises to watch.