July 14, 2007 12:20 AM UTC

Why is the State Land Board Increasing our Transportation costs?

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• by: EnvironmentColorado

There is a battle brewing inside the Denver Council of Regional Governments around expanding the urban growth boundary. Jefferson, Douglas, Adams and Arapahoe county, want to be able to develop more unincorporated areas. They are united against the regions cities who make the case we should focus development in the already developed areas. Maintaining the focus on already developed areas would reduce sprawl, improve air quality, increase mobility and save the region billions of dollars in transportation improvements.

The biggest point of contention is the State Land Board’s proposed development of the Lowry Bombing Range. They have asked Arapahoe County to petition to include this development in their request to expand development. This is a very bad development for the region:
1. In 1999 the Range was designated as part of the voter mandated Stewardship Trust Lands for its unique ecological value.
2. While selling off the land will generate 80 million dollars for schools, the Denver Council of Regional Government models indicate expanding the Urban Growth Area to include Lowry would lead to the region and state having to pay over 800 million dollars in added infrastructure (roads, sewer, water etc) costs.

The Trust Lands should be protected. The state should promote smart growth not leapfrogging development. Finally, Colorado is grappling with how to fund tens of billions of dollars in unmet transportation needs. Why in world would a state agency add half a billion dollars to that total? DRCOG should send Lowry back to the Land Board.