Comment By Brian Reed For Regional Transportation Plan Comment • The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) should vote against including the proposed initial phase of the Jefferson Parkway (Highway 93 north of 64th Avenue to Highway 128) in the Regional Transportation Plan. • This proposed Jefferson Parkway section would worsen regional transportation funding and congestion. • The Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority's own data shows that the project would dramatically increase traffic on Highway 93 and other surrounding roads. • The resulting increased traffic on Highway 93 would exacerbate already serious safety problems for drivers and bicyclists. Highway 93's fatality rate is double the state average. • The Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority's plan would require taxpayers to cover $800 million to $1 billion in additional transportation improvements. • The City of Golden, the City of Boulder and Boulder County have prepared a better plan that would fix the congestion and safety issues on Highway 93 and support transit and regional economic development. Document (if one submitted)