Funding proposed for safety improvements at intersection where 76-year-old was killed
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - On Tuesday, Colorado Representative Jeff Crank announced that four local projects are included in the U.S. House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (FY26 CJS) Appropriations Bill.
The bill includes $1.05 billion in Community Project Funding for 1,011 Member-requested projects. It's unclear how much of that money would go to each of the four local projects.
Rep. Crank's office says one proposed safety improvement will be at Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road. This intersection has experienced multiple pedestrian fatalities and 69 crashes in the past six years.
You may remember KRDO13 was there at the start of the year when Charlene McAlister, a beloved daycare worker, was hit and killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Recently, when speaking with Charlene McAlister's daughter Serena, she called for improved safety in the area.
"I'd love to see something done at that intersection because, you know, there are schools around there, there's the daycare, there's a need. If not my mom, it could have been a child. It's a scary intersection," said Serena McAlister.
Now, Rep. Crank's office says they're happy to announce a proposal for funds to make improvements in the area. They say the project aims to improve community safety through targeted infrastructure improvements, including the installation of improved crosswalks, pedestrian signals and refuge areas.
"I just want to express my appreciation to Congressman Crank and his staff for working with us on this project. You know, Congressman Crank, like any of us, lives in this community. He's from here. And so he understands this intersection. I'm sure he's driven on it multiple times. From a county perspective, we take a data-driven approach, with our strategic plan, which includes infrastructure as one of our major pillars. That's one of the major services that we offer to El Paso County residents. And we take a data-driven approach with all the different roads and intersections. And of course, this one stood out. So it made a lot of sense for us. And because we knew that there was a need, we could be fiscally responsible in asking for Congressman Crank's help with this, and this just fit all of the check boxes," explained El Paso County Executive Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Parsell.
Other community projects included in the bill are the purchase of a new rescue vehicle for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO). Representative Crank says the county’s current and aging vehicle is commonly used to resolve dangerous situations while protecting deputies and the public. In the past year alone, this vehicle has been called to over 275 incidents. The purchase of the new vehicle will ensure our community does not lose this critical capability.
“I am incredibly grateful to Congressman Crank for his efforts to secure critical public safety funding for the citizens of the Pikes Peak region,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “The acquisition of a new rescue vehicle will ensure the safety of the community, my deputies, and our law enforcement partners across Colorado. My Office is committed to reducing victims and holding criminals accountable- and equipment such as an ARV allows us to complete our mission safely.”
Another area proposed to get federal funds is the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ (UCCS) Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Engineering Labs. Congressman Crank requested money for state-of-the-art computer equipment for UCCS. They say it will allow them to train the next generation of cyber professionals to assist the five military installations and thousands of small businesses that call the Fifth District home.
"I am grateful to Congressman Crank for his partnership with UCCS and for submitting our community project funding request to Congress," said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet. "As a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity education, this investment would allow us to expand our Cybersecurity Program and enhance our students preparation in Space and Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. I was overjoyed to hear from Congressman Crank that our project had been included in the House of Representatives FY26 CJS appropriations bill, which puts us one step closer to securing this funding for UCCS."
The fourth area that could see federal dollars is Palmer Park Boulevard. That's where money would go toward replacing the aging storm sewer system with reinforced concrete pipes, upsize the drainage lines, and install an additional 26 inlets throughout the area. The Palmer Park Drainage Improvement Project will address essential community needs by enhancing public safety, protecting infrastructure, and improving accessibility, according to Congressman Crank.
"I am pleased to announce that my office has secured critical funding for projects in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District," said Rep. Jeff Crank. "These projects will allow for a safer community and protect our law enforcement, expand our students' cybersecurity potential, and invest in our infrastructure. I look forward to seeing these projects signed into law later this Congress."
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