Broomfield moves to withdraw from controversial highway authority

During a recent council meeting, Broomfield City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2024-159, authorizing an agreement for independent auditor services between the city and county of Broomfield and Bridal Bailey LLP. The resolution passed without discussion, indicating a smooth consensus among council members.

The meeting also addressed Broomfield's withdrawal from the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority (JPPHA), a process that began in late 2019. City and County Attorney Nancy Rogers provided a detailed history of the withdrawal, which stemmed from concerns over a proposed tollway near the former Rocky Flats site. Following extensive public feedback and discussions, Broomfield's City Council adopted a resolution in February 2020 signaling its intent to withdraw from the authority.

Rogers explained that negotiations for the withdrawal have been ongoing, requiring unanimous consent from the JPPHA board, which includes representatives from Broomfield, Arvada, and Jefferson County. A lawsuit filed by Arvada and GEFCO in June 2022, claiming Broomfield breached the agreement by issuing a notice of intent to withdraw, was dismissed by the court, allowing negotiations to continue.

The council is now considering terms for Broomfield's exit from the JPPHA, which include a delayed transfer of property rights, a payment of $636,000 to the JPPHA, and a commitment to act in good faith regarding permitting decisions that could affect the parkway project. The agreement also includes provisions for environmental monitoring and mitigation, ensuring compliance with regulations during any construction activities.

The council plans to hold a second reading of the ordinance related to the property conveyance on November 12, with further discussions expected at upcoming meetings of Arvada and GEFCO. The final vote on the withdrawal terms is anticipated at the JPPHA's board meeting in December 2024, marking a significant step in Broomfield's efforts to disengage from the parkway project. Public comments during the meeting reflected a sense of relief among residents, with many expressing satisfaction that the lengthy process is nearing completion.