ASPEN, Colo.—Colorado congressman Scott Tipton is withholding support for a $25 million federal grant to expand bus service in the Roaring Fork Valley in part because of plans to add wireless internet service.
The Republican declined to sign a letter last week from some members of the Colorado congressional delegation urging federal officials to release the funds. Tipton’s spokesman, Josh Green, told The Aspen Times that the congressman is concerned about spending as the federal deficit grows.
Green says another problem is the plan to equip 18 new buses with wireless internet service for about $15,000. The federal share of the expense would be $9,000.
Pitkin County Commissioner Michael Owsley says the county worked with federal officials to pare the grant request.
The Aspen-based Roaring Fork Transportation Authority serves several communities.
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Information from: The Aspen Times,
