Polis asks public to back his $29M bridge in last-ditch plea
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A rendering of the proposed pedestrian walkway at the state Capitol. Image courtesy of the governor's office
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is looking for a Hail Mary as opposition mounts to his pet project, a $29 million pedestrian walkway that critics call a bridge to nowhere.
Why it matters: The Democrat posted a public survey Tuesday in which he hopes to get justification for the project, designed to commemorate Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood.
Driving the news: The survey comes eight months after he announced the ornate, winding bridge across Lincoln Street from the state Capitol, and he vowed to accept the public's collective verdict.
- The results "will lead to the outcome of the celebration," the survey states.
- It asks four questions and gives respondents the opportunity vote for "a major 150th anniversary project" in Denver, "several smaller-scale projects" elsewhere in the state or no project at all.
The fine print: The survey is live through midnight July 21.
Yes, but: The survey is far from scientific and it's easy to manipulate, making the outcome dubious, at best.
Catch up quick: An advisory committee gave an initial nod in favor of the bridge project, but in public testimony, critics called it "ugly" and "useless."
- The next step is a legislative committee, where all its members are opposed.
- Even if the initiative survives the committee's vote, the bridge needs the approval of the Denver City Council and state Legislature, high political hurdles.
Follow the money: Polis is soliciting big-dollar donations to cover the price tag, but the governor's office has acknowledged they are using federal pandemic relief dollars to get the design process started.
- The state also will cover the unknown costs of maintaining the structure if it's built.
The other side: The governor's office touts the project as a grand monument to Colorado that will highlight local artists.
- Other touted benefits include easier pedestrian access across Lincoln Street to Memorial Park and revitalizing an area often frequented by people experiencing homelessness.
What he's saying: "This historic space is, and always will be, for everyone, and so I think it's important that Coloradans have a say in this effort to celebrate," Polis said in a statement.