Governor Signs 55 Bills into Law

By Charles Ashby, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

Apr. 2–DENVER – Gov. Bill Owens signed 55 bills into law Friday, including a measure that prevents a controversial toll road from Pueblo to Fort Collins from condemning land to build it.

The governor’s signing of SB78 was expected because it was part of a compromise he reached with the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Wes McKinley, D-Walsh.

That compromise negated an century-old law that gave eminent domain powers to private toll road companies.

Instead, the bill allows private toll roads to be built, but requires them to work with the Colorado Department of Transportation should condemnation become necessary.

The bill stems from a proposal by the Front Range Toll Road Co. to build a 210-mile four-lane highway with utility lines and railroad tracks west of Interstate 25, connecting to the highway just south of Pueblo and north of Fort Collins.

Other bills sponsored by local lawmakers that the governor signed include:

SB03 by Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, to encourage the use of biofuels in state buildings.

SB16 by Sen. Lewis Entz, R-Hooper, to mandate using a percentage of biodiesel fuel in state-owned vehicles.

SB34, by Entz calling on the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority board to include a member with experience in water quality matters.

SB56 by Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, establishing the authority of the Legislature’s Capital Development Committee, which she is vice chair, in determining construction projects.

SB84 by Entz establishing criteria in guides and outfitters and how much first aid experience they require.

SB132 by Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, to continue the state’s Domestic Wastewater Treatment Grant Program.

HB1084 by Kester establishing fines and penalties for those who illegally race vehicles on public roads.

HB1156 by Brophy that limits how Social Security numbers can be used.

HB1195 by Rep. Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito, establishing guidelines on suspensions for state supervisors who fail to evaluate their workers each year.

HB1204 by McKinley to continue the state’s Coal Mine Board of Examiners.

HB1341 by McFadyen establishing penalties for the illegal use of a commercial driver’s license.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

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