Polis asks public to back his $29M bridge in last-ditch plea
Why it matters: The Democrat posted a public survey Tuesday in what amounts to a last-ditch effort to justify the project, designed to commemorate Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood.
Driving the news: The survey comes eight months after he announced the ornate, winding bridge across Lincoln Street from the state Capitol, and he vowed to accept the public's collective verdict.
The results "will lead to the outcome of the celebration," the survey states.
It asks four questions and gives respondents the opportunity vote for "a major 150th anniversary project" in Denver, "several smaller-scale projects" elsewhere in the state or no project at all.
The fine print: The survey is live through midnight July 21.
Yes, but: The survey is far from scientific and it's easy to manipulate, making the outcome dubious, at best.
Catch up quick: An advisory committee gave an initial nod in favor of the bridge project, but in public testimony, critics called it "ugly" and "useless."
The next step is a legislative committee, where all its members are opposed.
Even if the initiative survives the committee's vote, the bridge needs the approval of the Denver City Council and state Legislature, high political hurdles.
Follow the money: Polis is soliciting big-dollar donations to cover the price tag, but the governor's office has acknowledged they are using federal pandemic relief dollars to get the design process started.
The state also will cover the unknown costs of maintaining the structure if it's built.
The other side: The governor's office touts the project as a grand monument to Colorado that will highlight local artists.
Other touted benefits include easier pedestrian access across Lincoln Street to Memorial Park and revitalizing an area often frequented by people experiencing homelessness.
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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
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