A private developer's proposal to build a 33-mile toll road bypassing a heavy traffic area in Colorado Springs depends on a crucial city council vote. But even if approved, the mostly private public-private development may not be necessary.
Developer Lindsay Case is pushing hard for the devlopment of a toll road, which Case plans to fund and operate through the arms of a private group of investors. However, the development requires city cooperation, mostly in the form of creating community support. But some Colorado Springs City Council members aren't even sure the road is necessary, let alone feasible.
"Colorado Springs motorists could take a turn onto a 33-mile road that would run along the city's eastern side. For 25 cents a mile, they would coast by downtown and Interstate 25 traffic, proponents say."
"Most of the route actually will link pre-existing roads and roads already scheduled to be built by the city or developers. The Toll Road Partnership contends that it can build the roads faster and more efficiently with private funding. Under its plan, some pieces could open as soon as 2010. Otherwise, they could take decades to complete â€" something the city acknowledges as well."
FULL STORY: Taking a toll?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service