Statewide Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise

The Statewide Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise (BTE) is a government-owned business entity operating under the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). It was originally created in 2009 as the Colorado Bridge Enterprise under the Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act (FASTER), designated as Senate Bill 09-108. This legislation established a focused effort to identify and fund bridge infrastructure in critical need of repair or replacement. In 2021, the scope of the enterprise was expanded by SB21-260 to include not only bridges but also tunnels. As a result, it was renamed the Statewide Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise to reflect its broader infrastructure mission. Oversight of the BTE is conducted by the Colorado Transportation Commission, which serves as the Board of Directors for the enterprise. The primary mission of the BTE is to finance, repair, reconstruct, and replace bridges classified as Designated Bridges, as defined under the FASTER legislation. Additionally, the BTE is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of tunnel infrastructure throughout Colorado. To achieve these objectives, the enterprise relies on dedicated revenue streams generated through statutory fees. A bridge safety surcharge, which varies between $13 and $32 depending on vehicle weight, is imposed on vehicle registrations. This surcharge is projected to generate approximately $100 million in annual funding. Furthermore, SB21-260 authorized the implementation of a bridge and tunnel impact fee and a retail delivery fee, which are anticipated to contribute an additional $522 million in funding over the next ten years. The program currently maintains updated inventories of both FASTER-eligible bridge structures and designated tunnel assets. These lists are reviewed and updated quarterly to reflect the current structural status and maintenance priorities. The Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise Project Status report, updated through December 2024, offers annual bridge completion statistics and reflects the overall progress of infrastructure improvements under this program. While the BTE functions as a financial and project implementation mechanism, it also facilitates opportunities for contracting and partnerships. Business opportunities related to BTE projects are published regularly. Additionally, resources such as annual and quarterly reports, financial statements, and annual budgets are made available to ensure transparency and provide stakeholders with insights into project funding and performance. Eligibility for funding and participation in BTE-related initiatives is not explicitly listed in the available source text. As such, eligibility may depend on project-specific calls or solicitations that define applicant qualifications on a case-by-case basis. Contact information is provided for further inquiries and clarifications. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Patrick Holinda at patrick.holinda@state.co.us or Tyler Weldon at tyler.weldon@state.co.us. No specific application deadlines, award cycles, or open and close dates are disclosed in the currently available material. This suggests that opportunities under the BTE may be published individually and should be monitored via the CDOT website or related BTE communication channels.