Sal Pace leads the Front Range Passenger Rail District in unveiling a draft plan for the Colorado Connector passenger train.

Sal Pace, General Manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District, unveiled a draft plan for the Colorado Connector (CoCo), an intercity passenger train designed to link 12 cities between Fort Collins and Pueblo. The project aims to utilize existing freight lines to provide frequent service, with a primary focus on entertainment, sports, and family travel rather than traditional commuting. The administration of the rail district is currently seeking a 0.333% sales tax increase, which would provide $295 million annually to fund the project. If approved by voters in November, the tax would cover the $1.7 billion cost of phase two, extending service to Pueblo. Even without the tax, the district plans to launch a limited service line between Denver and Fort Collins by 2029 using existing funds. Sal Pace noted that the plan includes new stations for the Denver Broncos and Denver Summit FC. The district is currently using $6 million in public money for outreach to educate residents before the board votes on the tax measure in late August.

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