Western Colorado Alliance members in Garfield County have worked tirelessly to secure local public transportation funding over the past year. In July, their efforts paid off when the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA), Silt Board of Trustees, and Rifle City Council voted in favor of a funding proposal to sustain the Hogback route, which connects the communities of Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, and Rifle, while a permanent funding solution is still in the works.
If adopted, this funding structure will result in an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) which will remain in place for the next three years, giving local leaders the time necessary to work out details for a permanent solution. However, the funding proposal must still be voted on by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). In the past, the County contributed significant funding to RFTA, in support of the Hogback route. In late 2025, the BOCC firmly stated that their contribution was always meant to be temporary and they would not contribute funds beyond 2026. Despite this, Alliance members have shown up at BOCC meetings and offered public comments about the need for the Hogback route and collaboration between municipalities and the county. Recently, the commissioners have recognized the importance of the issue and have committed to continuing discussions about permanent funding solutions. During a BOCC work session on August 4, the commissioners indicated they are open to matching funding contributed by Silt and Rifle, and they intend to vote on the funding proposal by the end of the month.
This is a great example of how our Alliance works with our local community members to deliver wins that make a difference in people’s lives! If you want to get involved in the effort to preserve funding for public transportation in Garfield County, please reach out to Hanna Arauza at hanna@westerncoloradoalliance.org.
