The Metro North Chamber of Commerce held the August Development Council Breakfast on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at The DoubleTree Hotel in Westminster.Senator Ken Salazar was the speaker, giving an update on legislative happenings in the nation’s capital.

Senator Ken Salazar serves on the Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources and the Veteran’s Affairs committee. Speaking to a crowd of nearly 250, Salazar focused on the gains resulting from two key bills---the Transportation Act, which will increase federal funding for Colorado infrastructure by 46 percent as part of a $286.5 billion national package; and the Energy Policy Act, which provides $14.5 billion in energy tax breaks and incentives over the next 10 years.

Commenting on the energy bill the Senator stated “This is not a perfect bill, but it is helping us move down the road for energy independence which will help secure America’s future. The Senator outlined four cornerstones, conservation, renewable energy, new technology and new development. And the future steps he believes must be taken to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and improve security for our nation.Next, the Senator explained that for every dollar Coloradoans spent on fuel tax dollars we would get back .90 cents from the Federal government in the past.The Senator stated under the new transportation bill Colorado will receive .93 cents on the dollar back, which means several hundred million dollars back on capitation for Colorado.Colorado will receive a 46% funding increase in the transportation bill next year, which is the largest increase any state across the country has ever received.This money will go towards projects in Colorado including improvements on highways I-25 and I-70 to name a few.

The Chamber would like to thank U.S. Senator Ken Salazar for providing an update on the issues that impact the citizens of the Metro North region.His hard work in the Senate has brought significant results to Colorado and we applaud his efforts.

Information, involvement and access are all benefits which belong to the Metro North Chamber Development Council.The Development Council is an exclusive, successful group dedicated to promoting the economic well being of the Metro North region.By providing a forum in which business and community leaders can come together and develop solutions, the Development Council serves to strengthen our community through education, cooperation and lobbying.