Flat revenue projections limit JBC spending (CATS) *LINK*

By CHARLES ASHBY
CHIEFTAIN DENVER BUREAU
DENVER - The flat state revenue projections released earlier this week left the Joint Budget Committee with little choice Wednesday but to limit how much money it could spend on capital construction projects.
As a result, at least two Southern Colorado projects won't see funding this year, but the planned expansion of the state penitentiary in Canon City will.
"I'm happy with the budget," said Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo and JBC chairman. "We put a lot of really good things in the budget. We did a lot of prevention. We did a lot of the governor's package on recidivism, and up-front programs to keep people out of prison."
Under changes the six-member JBC approved, the Legislature will only be able to afford the $36.9 million for the Colorado State Penitentiary II construction and the first 17 projects on the priority list created by the Capital Development Committee earlier this month.
That means Pueblo Community College won't get the $2.7 million it asked for to renovate its learning center, though the school will receive the $130,620 it needs for roof and heating system repairs in its science annex.
Additionally, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad won't see the $1.35 million it wanted to cover track rehabilitation costs, but it will get $80,000 to rehabilitate its car shop and engine house....