Gov. Polis seeks Colorado feedback on $18 million bridge proposal

In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has announced a statewide initiative aimed at gathering public feedback for a proposed pedestrian bridge located outside the Colorado State Capitol Building. This project, which is estimated to cost approximately $18 million, has been met with varied responses from the public. The state plans to allocate $8 million for the project, while Governor Polis has expressed intentions to raise the additional $10 million necessary for its completion. The proposed bridge will connect the Capitol to Veterans Park by spanning across Lincoln Street. Due to the significance of timing, the bridge is intended to celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday, coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Governor Polis initiated a survey to ascertain the preferences of Coloradans regarding this project, asking questions about the bridge's desirability, potential alternatives, and the comparative excitement for both anniversaries. The survey highlights citizens' opinions on whether they favor the current design, prefer a scaled-back version, or wish to pursue different projects altogether. The governor aims to have a clear mandate regarding public sentiment, emphasizing that his leadership role does not dictate the desires of the populace regarding celebrations. Although there has been criticism of the bridge proposal, including reactions from social media users, Polis feels that such dissent might not represent the broader Colorado public. He urged constituents to participate in the survey, assuring that the outcomes will guide the decision-making process. Despite the divided opinions, he reiterated the importance of creating a fitting tribute for the state's anniversary, clarifying that the project's future would depend significantly on the feedback received through the survey.