Richards: A need for a second bridge

Before demonizing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), review the 2002 Easement Agreement between the city of Aspen and CDOT for light rail across the Marolt and the Thomas property that was purchased with transportation dollars.

It assured Aspen the right to approve all landscaping plans, final highway and bridge design, and environmental and historic resource mitigation.

CDOT is Aspen’s partner in fixing the dysfunctional Entrance to Aspen that workers, transit riders, and residents face daily — not an enemy to be feared. CDOT has patiently waited for Aspen to choose to move forward and has generously funded RFTA to help Aspen and our valley manage traffic growth and congestion.

Look at CDOT’s sensitivity designing Colorado Highway 82 through the Snowmass Canyon to see its commitment to excellence and its excellent repaving job there this summer.

Your yes vote on Referendum 2 on March 4 lets Aspen enter a re-evaluation process of the ’98 Record of Decision — and begin pursuing the state and federal funding to pay for bridge repairs and entrance improvements. Not $150 million from city taxpayers, taking away from being able to afford redevelopment of the old City Hall Armory into a hub of community activity.

There are many issues (housing, childcare, growth management) the next City Council needs to act on, but the drought and the climate change driven wildfires ravishing California highlights our need for a second bridge for emergency evacuations ASAP — not kicking the can down the road for another decade.

Rachael E. Richards

Aspen mayoral candidate