TRANSPORTATIONPENDING

Front Range Passenger Rail District Resolution Approving the Term Sheet Between the High Performance Transportation Enterprise and BNSF Railway Company for Joint Service 2026-04-28

District backs CTIO term sheet with BNSF for rail access

Current estimate: $20–$35 million per year for access and operating expenses; approximately $330 million for capital expenses and one-time investmentsFront Range Passenger Rail DistrictBNSF RAILWAY COMPANYApril 28, 2026

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Description

The Front Range Passenger Rail District approved a non-binding term sheet supporting CTIO’s planned 25-year access license with BNSF Railway Company, enabling joint passenger rail service between Denver and Fort Collins. The framework anticipates $20–$35 million per year in operating and access payments plus roughly $330 million in capital and one-time investments, with BNSF designing and constructing required infrastructure at CTIO’s expense and retaining ownership and operational control of the corridor.

Contract Details

Contract Amount

Current estimate: $20–$35 million per year for access and operating expenses; approximately $330 million for capital expenses and one-time investments

Vendor

BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY

Agency

Front Range Passenger Rail District, CO

Contract Type

TRANSPORTATION

Document Date

April 28, 2026

Contract Term

25-year license to use BNSF right-of-way and facilities, with goal to commence service by January 1, 2029; Definitive Agreements targeted for execution by June 15, 2026

Renewal Info

Term sheet contemplates a 25-year license for CTIO’s use of BNSF right-of-way, with any renewal terms to be established in subsequent agreements after the initial term. Definitive Agreements targeted by June 15, 2026 will detail renewal options, one-time initial payments, and construction and maintenance cost responsibilities.

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Issuing Agency