Senate adopts resolution designating State Highway 86 the 'Plains To Pine Scenic Corridor'

The Colorado Senate on March 2 adopted House Joint Resolution HJR 10-18, designating State Highway 86 through Elbert County as the Plains To Pine Scenic Corridor and authorizing the Colorado Department of Transportation to accept gifts, grants and donations for signage and markers.

Senator Pelton R., who moved the adoption after portions of the resolution were read at length, urged colleagues to visit the route and praised its landscapes: "If you have not been on Highway 86 through Elbert County, go for a drive... it's just a beautiful, beautiful drive." He noted the corridor’s views of the Rocky Mountains and described local communities and historic sites along the route.

The resolution text read into the record cites the highway’s average altitude, scenic views of ranges including Pikes Peak, local Main Street communities such as Elizabeth and Kiowa, historic sites and wildlife sightings as reasons for state recognition. It authorizes CDOT to accept private and public funds and to enter intergovernmental agreements with the Board of County Commissioners of Elbert County and the towns of Kiowa and Elizabeth for placement and maintenance of signage and associated xeriscaping.

Senators in the chamber recorded their support and the clerk announced the vote as 35 ayes, 0 no, 0 absent; the resolution was adopted and the names on that morning’s roll call were added as cosponsors. Senator Pelton R. asked the chamber to recognize county commissioners and municipal officials present in the gallery.

The action is a ceremonial designation enabling state and local cooperation on signage and branding; it does not itself appropriate funds beyond authorizations for CDOT to accept gifts or enter agreements. Implementation will require CDOT action and potential intergovernmental agreements with local governments.