Civic and business leaders along the U.S. 36 corridor, stung by rejection of a federal grant that could have kick-started FasTracks highway improvements, still back toll lanes but want changes in the plan.

A coalition, U.S. 36 Commuting Solutions, released a position statement Wednesday, as the first of three days of public hearings opened on the draft environmental impact study.

The study, a joint effort by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Regional Transportation District, has two alternatives. Both incorporate an extension of bus and car pool lanes from Westminster to Boulder.

But one alternative would also add more free lanes in both directions, while the other would add only toll lanes that would allow solo drivers to pay to escape congestion in the free lanes.

If the tolled express lanes are chosen, the plan should provide for more access points for users, the coalition says.

Car pools also should have more entry and exit points. Otherwise, the improvements won't mean much to employment centers and cities along the corridor, the coalition said.

Earlier this month, the federal government rejected Denver's request for up to $234.5 million to help extend bus and car pool lanes along U.S. 36 to Boulder by adding tolls for solo drivers.

flynnk@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5247