Attendees of Dave Snyder Balloon Festival

Government Affairs

As a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, El Paso County is statutorily obligated to implement legislation and offer services as directed by the Colorado General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. County services are also impacted by various rule changes, directives, and federal laws. Considering this, the Government Affairs team exists to advocate on behalf of the organization at both the state and federal levels. The team also educates policymakers who ultimately impact the County’s service effectiveness.

Furthermore, Government Affairs supports the Board of County Commissioners and residents through a comprehensive constituent services program that serves as something of an ombudsman for those seeking assistance from the organization. The team also provides executive-level administrative support for the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and the Deputy County Administrator.

Ryan Parsell
Government Affairs Executive Director

(719) 520-6423

Centennial Hall
200 South Cascade
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2202

2023 Legislative Priorities

  • Equal Pay Act Reform
    • El Paso County is pursuing a legislative solution to eliminate the need of an employer to announce, post, or make known promotion opportunities for employees moving up in a job class.
  • Wagner-Peyser Legislative Solution
    • El Paso County is interested in partnering with the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) to ensure that workforce centers can continue operating under a local merit staffing model.
  • Courthouse Funding
    • El Paso County would like to work with the state to find a solution that would ease the financial burden of operating a courthouse and housing state employees.
  • Property Tax Exemption for First Responders
    • El Paso County would like to see the property tax exemption extended to spouses of peace officers and firefighters that are killed in the line of duty.
  • Public Safety Reforms
    • El Paso County would like to address sentencing reforms, community corrections, and other emerging issues that have disproportionally impacted the region.
  • Preservation of Local Control
    • Support legislation that maintains or enhances the County’s ability to self-govern and limits state and federal government interference in local affairs.
    • Oppose legislation that erodes the County’s ability to self-govern and limits state and federal government interference in local affairs.

2023 Goals

  • Service Quality
    • Track 350 pieces of legislation and create 10 original documents that educate policymakers on relevant issues.
    • Process 25 proclamation and recognition requests on behalf of outside organizations.
    • Coordinate 275 Commissioner calendar events.
  • Community Trust
    • Launch “Customer Relationship Management” tool to track and manage citizen outreach. Collect and analyze resulting data.
    • Complete & closeout 150 of constituent service requests.
  • Health & Safety
    • Create and secure passage of anti-human trafficking ordinance as authorized by House Bill 22-1300.

2025 Congressionally Directed Spending Requests

Constitution & Peterson Road Traffic Safety Project

Project Description

El Paso County is pursuing critical safety improvements at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road following multiple pedestrian fatalities and ongoing safety concerns. The project aims to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety through infrastructure upgrades that align with national and local traffic safety goals. Between 2019 and 2024, there have been 69 intersection-related crashes involving 138 vehicles at this location. Tragically, two pedestrians have lost their lives at this intersection and additional safety measures could prevent future tragedy.

The intersection of Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road, a high-traffic corridor with significant pedestrian activity, is experiencing a pedestrian safety crisis due to several fatalities, inadequate crossing facilities, and poor visibility, with the intersection’s geometry and vehicle speed further exacerbating the risk of accidents, highlighting the urgent need for safety improvements to protect both pedestrians and motorists.

This project will benefit the community by enhancing public safety through better intersection design, improving walkability and accessibility for residents, including schoolchildren, people with disabilities, and transit users, supporting economic growth through improved traffic flow that benefits local businesses and commuters, and aligning with El Paso County’s Local Road Safety Plan and state/federal roadway safety programs.

Federal Nexus Number

23 USC 133. Section 104(b)(2)

Project Timeline

If funded, we expect to start the project in summer of 2025 and to complete the project by fall of 2026.

Budget and Funding

$1,000,000 through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). El Paso County is seeking Congressionally Directed Spending to fund these improvements. Upon funding approval, the County will advance final design and construction to deliver a safer intersection for all users.

  • Design ongoing with Local Funds – $300,000
  • Construction/Renovation Materials and Labor – $800,000
  • Infrastructure/Site Prep (i.e. demolition, utilities, easements) – $50,000
  • Construction Management, Surveying, Geotech Testing, Labor, etc. – $50,000
  • Other Costs/ Contingencies – $100,000
  • Total Cost – $1,300,000
  • Federal Request – $1,000,000

Project Benefits

  • Enhanced Public Safety: Reducing pedestrian and vehicle crashes through better intersection design.
  • Improved Walkability & Accessibility: Providing safer pedestrian routes for residents, including school children, people with disabilities and transit users.
  • Supports Economic Growth: Improved traffic flow benefits local businesses and commuters.
  • Alignment with Safety Initiatives: Supports El Paso County’s Local Road Safety Plan goals and state/federal roadway safety programs.

Images

Photograph of Constitution and Peterson Intersection

Photograph of Constitution and Peterson Intersection

Vicinity Map with nearby parks, schools, and businesses

Additional Information

None

Environmental Link

Once the project has been funded, the NEPA process will start

Transportation Project Link

The Constitution and Peterson project is not in the STIP as it is not funded with federal funds and unfunded projects are not included in the STIP. However, the project is included in the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Long Range Transportation Plan as Project number 2050-082 – El Paso County Public Works Safety and Multimodal Program. Being in the Long-Range Transportation Plan is a requirement to receive federal funding. If funded, we will request a TIP/STIP amendment to include the project.

Community Support

The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments is in support of this request. PPACG, formed in 1967, is a regional organization that facilitates collaboration among municipal and county governments to address shared challenges and opportunities. It serves as the region’s Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Area Agency on Aging, and handles air and water quality planning, along with transportation authority administration.

Job Creation

This project will result in the temporary creation of construction jobs

Representatives in Congress

  • Sen. Michael Bennet
  • Sen. John Hickenlooper
  • Rep. Jeff Crank
  • Rep. Lauren Boebert
  • Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Local Project Contact

Ryan Parsell, Government Affairs Executive Director

El Paso County

P: (719) 520-6540

E: RyanParsell@elpasoco.com

Letters of Support

Palmer Park Drainage Improvements Project

Project Description

The Palmer Park Drainage Improvements Project aims to address the deteriorating and undersized storm sewer system along Palmer Park Boulevard in Cimarron Hills, a 0.4-mile corridor that serves as an access point to Powers Boulevard and is near a residential area. The existing system, consisting of corroded and misaligned corrugated metal pipes, does not meet current El Paso County drainage criteria and has led to safety issues, including the accumulation of sediment on pedestrian curb ramps and in the roadway. To resolve these issues, the project will replace the existing storm sewer system with reinforced concrete pipes, upsize drainage lines, and install an additional 26 inlets throughout the area.

The Palmer Park Drainage Improvements Project addresses critical community needs by enhancing public safety, protecting infrastructure, and improving access. The current drainage system is outdated and inadequate, leading to safety hazards such as sediment buildup on pedestrian curb ramps and roadways, which increases the risk of accidents for both pedestrians and drivers. Additionally, the system’s inability to handle stormwater effectively poses a flooding risk, threatening both public and private infrastructure.

This project will provide numerous benefits to the community, including enhanced safety through the elimination of sediment accumulation, reduced flooding risks, and improved traffic flow along Palmer Park Boulevard, especially as it connects to Powers Boulevard. The installation of new inlets and the rebuilding of gutter flowlines will improve stormwater conveyance, creating safer and more accessible routes for pedestrians, including schoolchildren and people with disabilities. Furthermore, by ensuring more reliable infrastructure, the project will support local businesses and residents, ultimately fostering a safer, more accessible, and livable environment for the entire community.

Federal Nexus Number

Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (WRDA 1992; P.L. 102-580), as amended by the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 administered by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Project Timeline

If funded, we expect to start construction in the summer of 2025 and to complete the project by fall 2026. The County is working on design, clearances, and all permitting now. This request is only for the construction phase of the project. The construction phase of the project is contingent on receiving the CDS funding. If not funded, we will need to seek alternate grant funding.

Budget and Funding

  • Non-Federal funding (Local Match): $1,125,000
  • 2026 Federal Funding Request: $3,375,000
  • Total Cost Estimate: $4,500,000

Itemized Budget Estimate

  • Construction/ Renovation Materials – $2,750,000
  • Infrastructure (i.e. concrete, electric, site prep) – $900,000
  • Labor, salaries, and benefits – $450,000
  • Contingencies – $400,000
  • Total Cost Estimate – $4,500,000

Additional Sources of Funding

  • $375,620 Local money

Project Benefits

  • Enhanced Public Safety: The project will eliminate sediment buildup on pedestrian curb ramps and roadways, reducing safety hazards for both pedestrians and drivers.
  • Flood Prevention: By upgrading the storm sewer system, the project will reduce the risk of flooding, protecting public and private infrastructure, as well as private property, from water damage.
  • Improved Traffic Flow: Better stormwater management will ensure smoother traffic flow along Palmer Park Boulevard and improve access to Powers Boulevard, minimizing disruptions caused by flooding.
  • Increased Accessibility: The installation of new inlets and the rebuilding of gutter flowlines will create safer and more accessible routes for pedestrians, including schoolchildren, people with disabilities, and transit users.
  • Support for Economic Growth: The project will enhance the overall livability of the area, benefiting local businesses, residents, and commuters by ensuring reliable and efficient infrastructure.
  • Long-Term Infrastructure Protection: By replacing the deteriorated and undersized drainage system, the project will ensure the long-term viability of the infrastructure, preventing costly emergency repairs and potential damage.

Images

Additional Information

None

Environmental Link

Once the project has been funded, the NEPA process will start

Transportation Project Link

Not a transportation related project

Community Support

The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments is in support of this request. PPACG, formed in 1967, is a regional organization that facilitates collaboration among municipal and county governments to address shared challenges and opportunities. It serves as the region’s Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Area Agency on Aging, and handles air and water quality planning, along with transportation authority administration.

Job Creation

This project will result in the temporary creation of construction jobs

Representatives in Congress

  • Sen. Michael Bennet
  • Sen. John Hickenlooper
  • Rep. Jeff Crank
  • Rep. Lauren Boebert
  • Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Local Project Contact

Ryan Parsell, Government Affairs Executive Director

El Paso County

P: (719) 520-6540

E: RyanParsell@elpasoco.com

Letters of Support

Security Stormwater Outfall Infrastructure Improvements

Project Description

The Security stormwater outfall, constructed in the 1980s, has deteriorated due to erosion and scour, compromising its stability. This project, authorized under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, aims to repair the outfall, replace the headwall and wingwalls, and replace the 144-inch pipe upstream to improve drainage capacity, reduce flooding, and accommodate future infrastructure needs.

This project is needed in the community to address ongoing flooding issues, particularly at the Security Boulevard and Main Street intersection, which frequently floods. By repairing the deteriorating stormwater outfall and upgrading the infrastructure, the project will stabilize the drainage system, reduce flood risks, and ensure the area can handle future increases in stormwater capacity, ultimately protecting property, infrastructure, and public safety.

The community would benefit from reduced flooding, particularly at vulnerable locations like the Security Boulevard and Main Street intersection. Improved stormwater infrastructure would enhance the area’s drainage capacity, preventing further erosion and damage to the culvert outfall. Additionally, the project would support future growth and development by ensuring the stormwater system can handle increased capacity, safeguarding property, infrastructure, and public safety while promoting long-term resilience to flooding.

Federal Nexus Number

Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (WRDA 1992; P.L. 102-580), as amended by the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 administered by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Project Timeline

If funded, we expect to start design in the summer of 2025 and to complete the project by the late summer of 2028. The project will include design, clearances and construction phases. The entire project is contingent on receiving the CDS funding.

Budget and Funding

The total cost estimate for the project is $4,000,000, with $1,000,000 in non-Federal local match funding and a $3,000,000 Federal funding request for 2026.

Itemized Budget Estimate

  • Design – $300,000
  • Construction/ Renovation Materials and Labor – $2,000,000
  • Infrastructure/ Site Prep (i.e. demolition, utilities, easements) – $600,000
  • Construction Management, Surveying, Geotech Testing, Labor, etc. – $400,000
  • Other Costs/ Contingencies – $700,000
  • Total Cost – $4,000,000
  • Federal Request – $3,000,000
  • Local Match – $1,000,000

Additional Sources of Funding

Aside from the local match of $1,000,000, we have not additional funding sources for this project.

Project Benefits

  • Reduced flooding at critical locations, such as the Security Boulevard and Main Street intersection.
  • Improved stability and functionality of the stormwater outfall to prevent further erosion and damage.
  • Increased stormwater drainage capacity to accommodate future growth and development.
  • Enhanced public safety by minimizing flood risks to property and infrastructure.
  • Long-term resilience of the community’s stormwater system to future capacity needs and weather events.

Images

Location / Vicinity Map

12-foot Steel Pipe Outfall to Fountain Creek. Note the erosion around the headwall and wingwalls

12-foot Steel Pipe Interior Bulge

Aerial Photo of Outfall (2016)

Aerial Photo of Outfall (2024) with additional erosion and blowout where riprap is missing

Additional Information

None

Environmental Link

Once the project has been funded, the NEPA process will start

Transportation Project Link

None

Community Support

Reaching out to City of Fountain about a potential letter of support

Job Creation

This project will result in the temporary creation of construction jobs

Representatives in Congress

  • Michael Bennet
  • John Hickenlooper
  • Jeff Crank
  • Lauren Boebert
  • Brittany Pettersen

Local Project Contact

Ryan Parsell, Government Affairs Executive Director

El Paso County

P: (719) 520-6540

E: RyanParsell@elpasoco.com