Senate committee fast-tracks Front Range Passenger Rail District board nominees; committee moves all seven to the full Senate

The Senate Transportation & Energy Committee recommended seven nominees to the Front Range Passenger Rail District board to the full Senate Monday, approving the motion by voice vote and placing the confirmations on the consent calendar.

The committee heard brief introductions from nominees and a nearly unanimous endorsement from Sal Pace, introduced in the hearing as general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District. Pace described the Title-32 special district’s mission to “plan, finance, build, and then eventually operate intercity passenger rail from state line to state line along the Front Range,” and said the district is considering a funding referral to voters in 2026.

Nominees discussed local experience and priorities. Tricia Canonico said she has served on the district board since 2024 and on the North Front Range MPO, and that she wants to keep momentum toward a 2029 starter service. Deborah Mulvey, introduced herself as a Castle Pines city council member, said she represents South Metro interests and has worked on regional transportation forums. Miles Lucero identified himself as a Pueblo County commissioner and PACOG designee and highlighted Pueblo’s station-area plans. Claire Levy, a Boulder County commissioner who served on the board from its inception, said she is focused on financial viability and continuity heading into a possible 2026 ballot measure. Chris Nevitt and Corey Applegate also described relevant regional and planning experience.

Committee members asked whether the district’s boundaries and potential future tax questions would leave some counties — notably Adams County — paying for service they could not use. Pace and several board members said they are exploring changes to the district’s footprint to align it with finalized route and station locations, and noted sponsor work is underway (including a late bill mentioned by Pace) to refine boundaries.

Senator Gonzales moved the committee’s favorable recommendation to the full Senate for the appointments of Claire Levy, Chris Nevitt, Deborah Mulvey, Tricia Canonico, Miles Lucero and Corey Applegate; Ms. Forbes called the panel and the committee recorded unanimous "Aye" responses. The motion passed and the appointments were placed on the consent calendar.

Procedural next step: the nominees now proceed to the full Senate with a committee recommendation. The committee then turned to a separate agenda item, Senate Bill 26-102, which was laid over for later amendment consideration.