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City makes progress on Capital Improvement Bond projects throughout Boulder

Just six months into the implementation of the Capital Improvement Bond, three projects have already been completed and 13 more are currently under construction. The community projects are funded by the voter-approved bond, a citywide initiative to address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements throughout Boulder.

The city first completed a missing sidewalk link on Gillaspie Drive, along the border of Harlow Platts Park, between Greenbriar Boulevard and Juilliard Street. Next, a new pedestrian crossing was installed at the intersection of Canyon Boulevard and 21^st Street. In addition, all of the city’s traffic signalincandescent lamps have been replaced with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.

“Replacing all of the city’s traffic signals with LEDs is a significant improvement that will make our transportation system more energy efficient and will require less frequent maintenance,” said Director of Public Works for Transportation Tracy Winfree. “Each of the LED lamps will use approximately 80 percent less energy, which will save the city thousands of dollars per year.”

During the next three years, the city will continue to utilize Capital Improvement Bond funds to implement 89 individual projects throughout the community. The projects include roadway reconstruction, park facility upgrades, critical software updates, police equipment needs and a renovation of the Main Boulder Public Library.

The 89 individual projects are grouped into 26 categories and three status types. Three projects have been completed, 13 are under construction, and 73 are in the planning and design phase. Since 85 percent of the bond money must be spent within three years, the city will provide the community with continuous project updates and regular reports on progress toward overall completion.

Other construction project updates include:

• Police equipment replacements are underway, including the assembly of a bomb robot.
• Park shelter replacements and improvements are ongoing at Valmont Park, Palo East Park and Valmont Dog Park.
• Substandard traffic signs are being replaced throughout the city.
• A new multi-use path connection is being constructed on Baseline Road from the Bear Creek Path to U.S. 36.
• Renovations and replacements of existing Parks and Recreation facilities are in progress at Canyon Park, Columbine Park and Palo East Park.
• The South Boulder Recreation Center gym floor and racquetball courts have been replaced and are now being upgraded to achieve full compliance with ADA requirements.
• Deteriorating road pavements are being reconstructed and repaired throughout the city.
• The Columbia Cemetery is being upgraded and enhanced, including irrigation system improvements, new fencing and headstone repairs.
• A new sidewalk is being built on the east side of Folsom Street from Arapahoe Avenue to 200 feet south of Arapahoe Avenue.

“The Capital Improvement Bond is allowing the city to make some significant investments in the community,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “These investments help to maintain our valuable existing assets and will improve our quality of life in Boulder.”

Keep an eye out for projects around town!
Capital Improvement Bond signs are posted on site as construction begins so that the community can identify the projects that are funded by the bond. The community can also track the progress of the bond implementation online at www.bouldercolorado.gov/bondprojects.

Boulder’s Capital Improvement Bond
In the November 2011 election, Boulder voters approved a ballot measure that allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for up to $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements. Because the bond was paid for using existing revenues, the measure did not raise taxes.

The bond sale was completed on March 22, 2012. The $49 million bond has a 20-year payback and 85 percent of the total is required be spent by March 22, 2015. As of July 2012, 10 percent of the total funding towards the 85 percent goal has been spent.

For the latest information on construction traffic impacts associated with the bond projects, visit www.boulderconezones.net.

Capital Improvement Bond video series
The website hosts an online video series that highlights what the community can expect to see during the next few years as a result of the Capital Improvement Bond. Each video focuses on different types of investments that the bond will allow the city to make, including transportation, parks, parking, library and downtown. Watch the Capital Improvement Bond videos.