Rep. Crank Secures Critical Funding for Projects in Colorado's Fifth District

WASHINGTON - Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05) today announced the inclusion of four Community Project Funding wins in the U.S. House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (FY26 CJS) Appropriations Bill.

These projects include funding to:

1. Purchase of a new rescue vehicle for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. 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.
2. Obtain state-of-the-art computer equipment for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs's Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Engineering Labs. This equipment will allow UCCS 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.
3. Safety improvements at Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road. The proposed project aims to improve community safety through targeted infrastructure improvements including the installation of improved crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and refuge areas. This intersection has experienced multiple pedestrian fatalities and 69 crashes in the past six years.
4. Replace the aging storm sewer system along Palmer Park Boulevard 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.

"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 student's cybersecurity potential, and invest in our infrastructure. I look forward to seeing these projects signed into law later this Congress."

"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."

"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."

"On behalf of the entire Board of County Commissioners, we thank Congressman Jeff Crank for his work and support for these projects," said Carrie Geitner, Chair of the Board for the El Paso County Commissioners. His leadership has been instrumental in helping El Paso County address real infrastructure needs. These investments have a meaningful impact on the daily lives of our residents and businesses by improving safety and reliability on our local roads. I'm especially grateful for Representative Crank, his staff, and the Republican leadership in Washington who are prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, and the needs of communities like ours-without growing government in the process."

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