Editor:

In 2014, there is the prospect of a ballot measure to ask the voters to raise the state sales tax by seven-tenths of a percentage point in order to fund statewide transportation and transit needs. If passed, a portion of this funding will also be distributed to the local counties and municipalities to assist with the local transportation system.

Concurrently, the Colorado Department of Transportation is updating its regional and statewide transportation plans so to better establish the transportation priorities of the different areas of the state. As part of this process, CDOT wants to hear from you. As the chairman of the Southwest Transportation Planning Region, I strongly encourage you to fill out the brief online survey created by CDOT. Please visit www.coloradotransportationmatters.com, and in the bottom right-hand corner, click Take Our Survey.

Surveys are due by Dec. 15, so do not hesitate. Your opinion is important to this process, as it will guide regional priorities and funding.

Bobby Lieb, Durango