Proposed law could potentially cut funding for Front Range Passenger Railway

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A bill introduced by U.S. Congressman Jeff Crank could potentially create obstacles for a railway right here in Colorado. The law would deny some federal funding to sanctuary cities in the country, unless they change certain ways they report to immigration.

If passed, the ‘BLOC Act’ would prevent the Department of Transportation from funding infrastructure projects in sanctuary cities, like Denver.

Several projects in the state could see funding cuts if this bill were to pass because of Denver being apart of them.

Projects like the front range passenger railway, which would run from Fort Collins to Pueblo.

However, if a sanctuary city agrees to inform ICE about illegal immigrants, and give them 48 hours before releasing the person, under this bill, funding would still go to the city.

Representative Crank claims Denver currently only gives ICE an hour warning before releasing an illegal immigrant.

A spokesperson for Rep. Crank said if the law goes into effect, and Denver wants money for the railway project, law enforcement has to change how they work with ICE.

“If Denver wants to have it, they should incentivize keeping our citizens safe and working with the federal government,” the spokesperson said, “it certainly seems like they can do the Castle Rock to Pueblo section pretty easily, and get that out of the way, I think all those towns would qualify.”

11 News reached out to the governor’s office and the senate sponsors for the railway, but have not heard back yet.

The ‘BLOC Act’ is still under consideration.