Before the RTD board makes its final decision on which, if any, private company is to complete a vital section of light rail track in Aurora, it heard from the public.

And the public was unanimous: full speed ahead.

During a packed board meeting Tuesday night, those from in and around Aurora supported a public-private partnership, if that is what it takes to complete the project quickly.

Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan said completion of the Interstate 225 portion of light track is not an Aurora issue but a metro-wide issue.

“Consider the fate of the entire metropolitan area and how we will serve it all,” Hogan said.

RTD received proposals from two companies vying to work on the final 10.5-mile segment going through Aurora, joining the East Rail Line at Smith Road and Peoria Street. It would connect major destinations including the Aurora City Center, the Anschutz/Fitzsimons Medical Campus and Denver International Airport.

At the June 3 board meeting, staff recommended Kiewit Infrastructure’s bid be chosen. Kiewit says it could complete the I-225 section of light rail for a fixed price of $350 million and do it by November 2015.

In a statement to the board, University of Colorado President Bruce Benson said he supported the RTD staff’s recommendation and planned to lend a helping hand.

“I intend to personally work with you and others to aggressively seek federal and state funding to ensure we build multi-modal transportation solutions throughout the metro area,” Benson said.

Bernie Rogoff, commissioner of Veteran Affairs for the city of Aurora, said too many would benefit from the completion of I-225 light rail for action not to be taken quickly.

“Early completion of the RTD light-rail system is a critical imperative,” Rogoff said. “We must go forward.”

Larry Rushing, an Aurora small-business owner, said completion of the track will mean fewer cars on the road, which was an exciting thought.

“I think we should get out of here today and get our shovels and start digging,” Rushing said.

The board will take action as a committee July 17. A final board vote would take place July 24.

Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp