For a small town, Town of Nederland Public Works Manager Chris Pelletier has had a large impact and influence during his 10 years working for the Town of Nederland.

In the past few years, Chris has led the efforts to obtain over $2.5 million in grant funds and over $1 million in zero-interest loans, which is crucial for infrastructure and financial solvency in such a small town. Included among that is a $1.5 million Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) scope to improve walkability in the Town from the Regional Transit District (RTD) lot to the Town Hall area, a process which began in late 2018. The project includes multimodal sidewalks, along with addition of electric car charging stations and bike racks.

Pelletier led the Town staff discussions before the Town Boards and the Planning Commission, as well as town businesses and residents. He incorporated the comments into the Final plan.

Pelletier oversaw the purchase of a paving machine in 2020 through a sales tax increase to undertake more extensive asphalt road repairs. The majority of Nederland’s asphalt roads were paved in the late 1980s and early 1990s, thus repaving was a necessity due to significant deterioration. This required not only the acquisition of the equipment, but also training of the streets department staff to perform the work.

Given seasonal variability and intense cold, snowy winter weather, Pelletier had to prioritize the ability for paving operations as well culvert and drainage maintenance/improvements before the weather set in. The first paving project occurred in September of that year, with the road to access the Community Center repaved the following month. Being able to do the work in-house was recognized as a major cost savings to the Town.

In 2021, Pelletier submitted for and was awarded the Safer Main Streets (SMS) Initiative grant to update crosswalks and update the sidewalk near the Nederland Library. Pelletier and Town staff also pursued the Revitalize Main Streets grant to bury power lines, reconstruct sidewalks on both sides of 1st Street, and to create business loading bays to reduce traffic congestion. Pelletier also steadfastly worked on a $180,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant for trail improvements to Barker Meadows Park.

Through all these undertakings, Pelletier created a legacy of transportation and pedestrian improvements throughout the Town and deserves the accolade of regional champion for all of his diligence, time, and expertise.

After 10 years as Nederland’s Public Works Manager Chris Pelletier has left the position and moved to be closer to family. He helped build up the town’s infrastructure during his time working in Nederland. The strides he made to improve the town will be felt for many years to come.