I 
117TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 7501 
To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the signifi-
cant improvements and potential alternatives necessary to offset extended 
closures associated with Interstate Route 70, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 14, 2022 
Mrs. BOEBERT (for herself, Mr. LAMBORN, and Mr. BUCK) introduced the fol-
lowing bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period 
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
ation of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
concerned 
A BILL 
To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a 
study on the significant improvements and potential al-
ternatives necessary to offset extended closures associ-
ated with Interstate Route 70, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘I–70 Detour Act’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
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(1) Interstate Route 70 is the gateway to the 
Rocky Mountains and a major east-west interstate 
highway that runs through and connects 10 different 
states from Baltimore, Maryland, to Cove Fort, 
Utah. 
(2) Because of natural hazards, Interstate 
Route 70 through Glenwood experiences significant 
closures that last greater than 1 week, three or four 
times a decade. 
(3) Substantial improvements to existing roads 
and possible alternative routes should be studied and 
then funded in a timely manner to ensure the con-
tinuation of commerce as well as the safe movement 
of goods and people in the event that Interstate 
Route 70 is shut down again in the future. 
(4) Closures of Interstate Route 70 are ex-
tremely costly, with an economic impact estimated at 
$1 million per hour. 
(5) At this time, the local counties directly im-
pacted by these closures and some of the alternatives 
proposed in this bill prefer for any county route or 
county road impacted by this bill to remain under 
county control and not become a state highway. 
SEC. 3. ALTERNATIVES. 
(a) REPORT.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable, but 
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
submit to Congress a report with recommendations 
for significant improvements and potential alter-
natives necessary to offset extended closures associ-
ated with Interstate Route 70, including— 
(A) at least 1 alternative that includes the 
possibility of improving Catherine’s Store Road, 
as proposed by Garfield County, Colorado; 
(B) at least 1 alternative that includes the 
possibility of improving the 6 spot locations to 
existing roads, as proposed by Eagle County, 
Colorado; 
(C) at least 1 alternative that includes the 
possibility of improving an existing road down 
Cottonwood Creek, as proposed by Eagle Coun-
ty stakeholders and the Colorado Department 
of Transportation; 
(D) at least 1 alternative that includes the 
possibility of improving Interstate Route 70 
system resilience and reducing risks from near-
by hazards; and 
(E) any other significant improvements 
and alternatives proposed by Garfield County, 
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Colorado, Eagle County, Colorado, the Colorado 
Department of Transportation, or the Secretary 
before the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report required under 
paragraph (1) shall include information regarding 
the cost and feasibility of each alternative or im-
provement described in such report. 
(b) LEGISLATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after 
the Secretary submits the report to Congress under 
subsection (a), the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate shall produce legisla-
tion based on the recommendations provided by the 
Secretary in such report. 
(2) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
The legislation produced under paragraph (1) shall 
include a provision to authorize appropriations to 
carry out any activities authorized in such legisla-
tion. 
(3) CONSIDERATION.—Not later than 60 days 
after producing legislation under paragraph (1), the 
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committees referred to in such paragraph shall move 
to consider such legislation. 
Æ 
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