The Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post recently ran separate guest editorial pieces regarding FasTracks that require a response. Both made assertions that "management" problems are at the heart of FasTracks financing issues and that a change in management was called for. As the general manager and CEO of the Regional Transportation District, I must assume full responsibility for the FasTracks program and the entire RTD operation and accept that those attacks are aimed at me.

RTD is the most outstanding public transportation agency in North America, as selected by the American Public Transportation Association in 2008, 2003 and 1994, and I was named the outstanding public transportation manager in 2006. Each year, RTD is visited by numerous public transportation agencies in hopes of emulating our success.

RTD has secured about $1 billion in federal funds for the Southwest Corridor, T-REX and now the West Corridor. We are now working to receive another billion dollars in federal grants for the East and Gold lines. Our light-rail system ridership already today surpasses passenger trip projections for the year 2020. This record is the envy of transit agencies across the globe. We fully understand that establishing such a remarkable record can place equally remarkable expectations on RTD.

RTD built all of our light-rail lines on time and within budget using a cost-and-revenue projection model that worked admirably, and that model was understandably used to develop the FasTracks budget. But in 2005, the year after voters approved FasTracks, the Colorado Construction Cost Index jumped by an incredible 52 percent - easily the highest increase in the history of the index. We are unaware of any reputable financial analyst or economist who accurately predicted anywhere near that level of cost increases.

No one foresaw the unprecedented global spike in the cost of materials or the devastating decline in the economy that occurred over the past few years. These developments have required all levels of government to halt capital construction projects and to cut back on all facets of operations. The private sector has been similarly decimated.

When it comes to RTD, however, there exists in some quarters a compulsion to use the same unforeseen and enormous economic conditions that have affected the FasTracks program to find fault with and demand retribution from those who labor to continue the very positive RTD rail construction legacy and complete this essential program as approved by the voters.

One notable exception to this campaign of uninformed and mean-spirited aggression is the Metro Mayors Caucus. Rather than take potshots from the cheap seats, they have invested hundreds of hours to understand the cost and revenue projections, to validate the assumptions that were made and to work with the RTD board to come up with positive and constructive recommendations to accomplish this well-affirmed public purpose.

No one, and especially RTD, is happy with the economic downturn and the challenges it has created. The difference here is that, rather than throwing up our hands and seeking scapegoats, we are determined to work with our elected officials, stakeholders and any others who offer ideas that mitigate these adversities and help get the job done.

Gratuitous personal attacks from those with no investment in or commitment to the accomplishment of difficult but critically important public works objectives smacks of demagoguery. If those individuals would step up to the plate and provide us all with their projections on the cost of materials, fuel, labor and sales tax revenues over the next five years and back it up with their personal resources, we would all owe them a debt of gratitude.

However, we will not hold our breath.

As energy costs continue to undermine our economy, it is clear that the FasTracks program is needed today more than ever, just as additional transit infrastructure investments are needed nationwide. Please remember that while the current budget challenges are significant, they will be relatively short-lived, and the FasTracks program is an investment that will continue to deliver positive returns for this century and beyond.

Cal Marsella is the CEO and general manager of the Regional Transportation District.