CDOT Region 3 warns of funding squeeze for Western Slope, outlines Rio Blanco project slate and staffing gaps

Jason Smith, Region 3 Transportation Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation, told Rio Blanco County commissioners on April 28 that CDOT is focused on three statewide goals — fix roads, advance transportation safety and expand travel choices — but that Region 3 faces tight money and staffing constraints.

"We have about a 10% vacancy right now," Jason Smith said, describing a post‑COVID recovery in hiring and an internal training program to get new hires CDL licenses. CDOT staff said that while the region covers the largest number of square miles in the state, it also serves more than 5,000 lane miles, 13 mountain passes and over 700 bridges.

Why it matters: CDOT staff warned that a recent change to how asset‑management funds are allocated — now weighted more heavily toward population — will reduce future funding available to the sparsely populated Western Slope. "You're going to see a pretty significant decrease in project money — probably about, you know, $10 million a year," staff told commissioners. The change is phased in over multiple fiscal years and was described as expected to take effect in future budget cycles (staff cited an FY29 timing window).

Local projects and schedule: Justin Ewing, resident engineer in CDOT's Craig residency, listed projects affecting Rio Blanco County. For 2026 he said crews will work on US 40 Milner east–west resurfacing, a Sheldon Ditch timber‑to‑concrete bridge replacement near Hayden, and a Browns Park culvert replacement on State Highway 318. He outlined additional work planned across 2027–2030 including State Highway 13 improvements, passing lanes on US 40, chip seals on SH‑64, and a funded resurfacing stretch on SH‑139 south of Rangely.

Maintenance, safety and workforce: Section‑six maintenance staff reported preventive maintenance outputs (about 12,500 tons of asphalt used this section last year) and big workloads for fence, guardrail and drainage work. Staff described patrol vacancies that remove capacity from rural road coverage and said many maintenance employees have under two years' experience, which raises training demands. On safety, CDOT presented regionwide figures and said Region 3 recorded roughly 63 fatalities last year with about 40% occurring on local roads; non‑motorist fatalities (pedestrians, bicyclists) rose regionally and were noted as an area for focused safety investment.

Funding context and options: Mark Rogers explained CDOT's revenue mix — federal funds tied to the federal motor‑fuel tax and state gas taxes — and said maintenance funding is highly dependent on state dollars because federal funds require state matching. Commissioners pressed CDOT to increase transparency and to solicit statewide county input on formula and policy changes that shift funding between regions.

What happens next: CDOT staff said they would take commissioners' concerns back to internal committees that set formulas and recommended seeking engagement with state legislators. County officials were encouraged to contact their legislative delegations and CDOT staff offered to provide details on specific project limits and schedules.

Provenance: CDOT presentation and Q&A as presented in the April 28 county meeting.