(1)The general assembly finds and
declares that:
(a)Colorado faces significant challenges accessing and leveraging the
funding needed for critical infrastructure projects spanning from housing to water,
roads to broadband, and clean energy;
(b)The state acknowledges and commends the ongoing work by existing
infrastructure authorities to address infrastructure needs while recognizing the
growing need to address these infrastructure deficiencies by leveraging capital and
financing projects that will create jobs, promote economic development, and
protect the environment;
(c)It is imperative for the state to take proactive measures to allocate
resources efficiently and effectively toward critical infrastructure projects that not
only meet immediate needs but also lay the founda
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(1) The general assembly finds and
declares that:
(a) Colorado faces significant challenges accessing and leveraging the
funding needed for critical infrastructure projects spanning from housing to water,
roads to broadband, and clean energy;
(b) The state acknowledges and commends the ongoing work by existing
infrastructure authorities to address infrastructure needs while recognizing the
growing need to address these infrastructure deficiencies by leveraging capital and
financing projects that will create jobs, promote economic development, and
protect the environment;
(c) It is imperative for the state to take proactive measures to allocate
resources efficiently and effectively toward critical infrastructure projects that not
only meet immediate needs but also lay the foundation for sustainable long-term
development;
(d) By prioritizing infrastructure projects with project labor agreements,
prevailing wage requirements, and high labor standards that ensure fair
compensation and retirement security, the state not only enhances the livelihoods
of its workers but also stimulates consumer spending, fosters financial stability,
and drives long-term economic growth;
(e) When a service contract expires and a follow-on contract is awarded for
the same or similar services, the state's procurement interests in economy and
efficiency are best served when the successor contractor or subcontractor hires
the predecessor's employees, thus avoiding displacement of these employees;
(f) Using a carryover workforce reduces disruption in the delivery of services
during the period of transition between contractors, maintains physical and
information security, and provides the state with the benefits of an experienced and
well-trained workforce that is familiar with the state's personnel, facilities, and
requirements;
(g) The establishment of a dedicated financing authority, the building urgent
infrastructure and leveraging dollars authority, will provide the necessary
framework to leverage capital and offer innovative financing for critical
infrastructure projects;
(h) The building urgent infrastructure and leveraging dollars authority is
specifically formulated to leverage federal dollars, such as funding available under
the bipartisan infrastructure law, and to creatively maximize state funds for vital
infrastructure needs and has safeguards to prevent the privatization of public
assets; and
(i) Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, the
building urgent infrastructure and leveraging dollars authority will play a pivotal
role in accelerating the implementation of vital infrastructure initiatives, thereby
enhancing the overall resilience, livability, and competitiveness of the state's
communities.