The federal government’s emphasis on space defense has promising economic ramifications for Colorado – most especially for Colorado Spring and the Pikes Peak region.

As home to Air Force Space Command, the Springs serves as a major host of the government’s increasingly sophisticated space-based military operations and satellite communication systems. If the government creates a separate Space Force, a possibility mentioned recently by President Donald Trump, Colorado will be a likely location for concentrating operations.

Few would dispute the status of Colorado Spring as the country’s most prominent and popular military town. Our culture, business community, and political class specialize in hosting the military. That’s why veterans retire here more than anywhere else. It is why active-duty personnel request transfers to Fort Carson more than any other Army base.

“You take great care of us,” said Space Command Gen. Jay Raymond, speaking Monday to the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.

There is just one flaw in the foundation: Colorado’s transportation system, which politicians have intentionally neglected for years. Our crumbling roads and bridges are an unintended consequence of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which requires voter approval of tax increases. Politicians believe voters will approve new taxes if roads are in shambles. As such, they prioritize other investments.

The military needs good highways to ensure safe, reliable and efficient movement of personnel and equipment. State highways are not their responsibility. They are owned, operated, maintained and funded by the state.

The military’s transportation needs inspired President Dwight D. Eisenhower to initiate the Interstate Highway System, known initially as the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Even those are funded and maintained mostly by states.

When Colorado-based military leaders express concerns about our highways, politicians should listen.

During his Monday speech, Raymond emphasized his concerns about Colorado 94. The highway connects Peterson and Schriever Air Force bases, making it essential to Space Command. The joint force operation will add 150 troops to Schriever in coming months, exacerbating concerns about the highway’s condition.

Raymond’s request for attention to the highway could not have come at a better time. Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a $28.9 billion budget into law Monday, which includes $495 million for transportation projects.

Hosting the government’s growing space-based defense systems will benefit Colorado with high-end primary employment, tax revenues and incalculable economic growth. A city already bustling with more than 250 defense contractors will benefit from more, as space operations advance in size and sophistication.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Transportation Commission have no lack of demand for the nearly half billion dollars budgeted for additional highway projects in the coming year.

Deciding who gets what is not easy. In allocating funds, officials should give high priority to Colorado 94 and all other projects that directly affect national defense. Facilitating the military helps Colorado, while protecting the safety and freedom of the rest of the country.