Long-Awaited Front Range Passenger Rail, A Potential 'Spine' For Colorado, Gets $500K Nod From Feds

The long-awaited Front Range Passenger Rail project, which aims to connect Pueblo to Fort Collins with a high-speed passenger train, will receive an initial $500K from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to kick-start development, according to an announcement from U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse’s office. 

Neguse said Colorado's project will be included in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Plan, a program that identifies intercity rail projects that could benefit from federal funding. The project was one of 90 applicants to receive funding. 

“This corridor stretches across more than 160 miles, connecting 13 of the most populous counties across the state and acting as a transportation ‘spine’ for the Front Range,” Neguse said in a press release. “I am excited to see this project become a reality for our growing communities.” 

Colorado officials have advocated for the Front Range Passenger Rail for several years, but political gridlock and financial issues have sidelined the project. In 2017, officials established a 17-member Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, which has the authority to levy taxes to support the rail’s development. 

While the project’s inclusion in the Corridor Identification and Development Plan doesn't guarantee that the rail line will be built anytime soon — or at all — it does open the door to more federal funding at a later date. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $66B for intercity rail developments. 

The $500K will go to supporting the first three phases of development, according to a notice published by the Federal Railroad Administration last year. The first phase is to develop a project cost estimate and scope of work. More funds could be provided to the project after this step is completed, the notice says. 

After that, officials will need to develop a service plan before they can put the first stakes in the ground. 

“Colorado’s participation in the new Corridor Identification program shows that this project is ready to move forward,” Gov. Jared Polis told the Denver Business Journal.