BROOMFIELD — A nonprofit group is offering to distribute $10,000 among companies and employers along U.S. 36 that come up with ideas that promote more environmentally friendly ways for their workers to get to and from work.
Applications are due to 36 Commuting Solutions no later than April 30. The maximum single award is $500.
Companies can submit as many ideas as they wish, though only one application will be selected per company, said Audrey DeBarros, 36 Commuting Solutions’ executive director.
“We really want people to think outside the box,” said DeBarros, who says now is an ideal time to think of new modes of travel on the Boulder Turnpike.
Gas prices are supposed to climb over the next few months, she said, and the entire U.S. 36 corridor will be reconstructed this summer.
“One of our primary goals is to reduce the demand for driving solo and encourage corridor commuters to try other travel options, such as riding RTD, carpool, telework or bicyling,” DeBarros said.
Potential award-winning ideas could include workplace bicycle parking or lockers, bicycle-sharing programs, carpool/vanpool matching promotions, commuting incentive programs and funding to get RTD’s Eco Pass for employees, she said.
WhiteWave Foods — a major employer on the corridor — used funding from a past gift from 36 Commuting Solutions to start an Eco Pass program, DeBarros said.
In 2011, WhiteWave employees notched 1,500 bus rides, 6,000 shared rides and 12,000 miles biked, according to the company.
Award recipients will be evaluated and selected based on efficacy, measurability to reduce single-occupant vehicle travel, and innovation, DeBarros said.
To qualify, companies must be located within the U.S. 36 corridor area between Boulder and Adams County.
A massive widening of U.S. 36 from Federal Boulevard to 88th Street in Boulder County — at a cost of $311 million — is likely to start in July or August, said Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Mindy Crane.
The project will reconstruct the existing U.S. 36 pavement and widen the highway to add one express lane in each direction.
For more information, call 303-604-4383 or go to .
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
