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Stakeholders told the members of the Environment and Public Works Committee: The country’s transportation network is desperately in need of long-term federal funding assurances meant to improve freight and commuter connectivity, the result of which could boost the economy.

Colorado’s means of getting around are in great need of attention, partisans on every side agree. But the various solutions and competing ways of paying for transportation improvements offered by candidates and ballot measures are a different political matter entirely.

Susan Collins, a moderate Republican with vast influence over transportation funding affairs in the Senate, announced her intention not to pursue the governor’s mansion in her home state of Maine.

Lawmakers in Oregon approved a $5.3 billion measure in July that would increase taxes and fees to pay for freight, transit and commuter infrastructure projects.