Gov. Polis' bridge faces new hurdles as opposition mounts
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A rendering of a potential snaking pedestrian bridge in Denver. Image courtesy of the Governor's Office
Gov. Jared Polis' legacy project, a $28.5 million pedestrian bridge in downtown Denver, is tapping federal pandemic relief dollars to plan the construction effort, his office revealed in a confrontational hearing Thursday at the state Capitol.
Why it matters: The project's cost — and who will foot the bill — is a major point of contention and just one of the many outstanding questions about the bridge connecting the state Capitol across the street to Lincoln Park.
Driving the news: The Capitol Building Advisory Committee voted 8-4 to send a draft plan to a formal legislative committee after hours of pointed questions and vocal public opposition.
- Supporters expressed tepid approval to continue the design process while critics smeared the plan and the governor's intentions, calling it "ugly," "useless," "foolish" and "stupid."
The big picture: The go-ahead from the advisory board is just the first of many hurdles Polis faces to get the project to the finish line.
- Both the Denver City Council and the state Legislature must vote to approve the bridge.
Follow the money: The cost may be the sticking point.
- Gov. Jared Polis initially requested $5 million in state funds, but lawmakers rejected the idea and it remains unclear how the project can move forward.
- His point person on the project, deputy chief of staff Danielle Oliveto, said at the hearing that the governor pivoted to tap discretionary ARPA dollars he alone controls.
By the numbers: The $28.5 million price tag is now well above initial estimates, as 9News reported. Polis is seeking private donations for the bridge, but the unknown security and maintenance costs will fall to the state at a time when budgets are tight, officials acknowledged.
- "Our goal is actually to raise this privately so we don't have to do a [state budget request], Oliveto told the advisory panel. "We do understand what a burden this could be."
What's next: State lawmakers will discuss the bridge at a meeting later this summer and the governor's office hopes to get final approval to start construction in early 2027.
- The goal is to complete the project in time for the state's 150th birthday festivities that summer.