I wanted to provide a update on where we are in this process…
So for the past 8 months we have been kind of stalled waiting for the reauthorization of the Stantec contract which provides the necessary support and expertise to this project. We are getting to the point where the infrastructure group, where I am the Chair has forwarded recommendation to the larger group for approval… "The Stantec task order for the EJMT study is at the controller’s office in final review and should be signed by next week. Stantec was able to secure their entire international team again, so we are on the cusp of taking the next big steps that we have all talked about for so long."
The ideas we have to forward include:
- We are asking the international team to evaluate the feasibility of east bound transit through the tunnel. As well as time of day restrictions.
- As part of our Association agenda item SB 280 : there is an ask that allows the Colorado state patrol to conform hazardous materials routing regulations to transportation commission rules which supports the potential change of routing for the tunnel.
- We are proposing funding for a foam suppression mitigation system as well as additional improvements that would help mitigate the concerns of west bound communities such as Dillion and Silverthorne.
- One of the most interesting topics is the potential for a large release on the straight creek side of EJMT. We are requesting the additional in scope for environmental mitigation modeling for this potential.
As the core, this process has yielding us enhanced relationships with multiple folks around this issue. We are making slow albeit incremental progress..
Grier W. Bailey
Executive Director
CWPMA