Concerning demanding the Colorado Department of Transportation to implement road improvement projects in Morgan County.
Summary
Senate Resolution 26-001 is a nonbinding resolution expressing the Colorado Senate’s support for Morgan County officials in urging the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to prioritize and fund road improvement projects in the county. The resolution recites findings that CDOT is responsible for maintaining the state transportation system, that many state highways in Morgan County are in poor condition, and that a 2023 CDOT assessment found roughly 70% of the county’s state highway miles (excluding I-76) had low drivability life. It further states that those road segments likely have little remaining usable life by 2025.
The resolution calls on CDOT to reevaluate its priorities and implement maintenance and improvement projects in Morgan County. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to CDOT’s executive director. Because it is a Senate resolution rather than a bill, it does not itself amend statutes or create enforceable legal obligations; instead, it serves as a formal legislative statement of concern and political pressure on the agency.
Impact
SR26-001 does not change Colorado Revised Statutes or impose new regulatory requirements. Its practical effect is to place the Senate on record supporting Morgan County’s request for increased CDOT attention and funding for state highway maintenance and road improvement projects. The resolution may influence agency planning, budget priorities, and intergovernmental advocacy, but any actual road work or funding decisions would still depend on CDOT and the state budget process.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of Morgan County and critical of CDOT’s past maintenance and project planning in the county. The bill’s sponsors and supporters appear to view the county as underserved and in need of immediate attention. No opposing votes or committee testimony are provided in the record, and the resolution’s final action—being signed by the President of the Senate—suggests it moved forward without visible controversy in the available history.
Contention
The main point of contention is the allegation that CDOT has failed for years to adequately maintain and fund state highways in Morgan County, leaving a large share of the road network in poor condition. Supporters of the resolution, including the listed Senate sponsors, are pressing CDOT to shift priorities toward Morgan County. The resolution does not present a formal rebuttal from CDOT or other opponents, so any disagreement appears centered on resource allocation, maintenance prioritization, and whether Morgan County has been underserved relative to other parts of the state.