To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Shannon Carter, Open Spaces Director
Prepared By:
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Michele Frishman, Grants and Acquisitions Manager, Open Spaces
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Subject:
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Resolution Supporting Application for a GOCO Grant by High Line Canal Conservancy
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) adopt a resolution in support of an application by the High Line Canal Conservancy (Conservancy) for a Centennial Grant from the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) to fund the High Line Canal Community-Centered Improvements Project. Open Spaces presented the draft resolution during a study session on October 30, 2023.
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Background and Discussion: The Conservancy has requested approximately $9 million from GOCO to complete the High Line Canal Community-Centered Improvements Project, which will include accessibility, connectivity, and safety improvements along the High Line Canal; activation projects in underutilized reaches of the canal corridor; and natural resource enhancements.
Arapahoe County is a longtime supporter of the High Line Canal, funding more than $11 million in improvement projects since 2012. In 2023, Arapahoe County committed an additional $4 million to support further High Line Canal improvements over the next five years. The additional funding by GOCO would supplement the County's significant efforts as well as funding provided by Denver Water and raised by the Conservancy.
Furthermore, Arapahoe County is in discussions with Denver Water to take ownership of portions of the High Line Canal property, subject to a conservation easement to be held by the Conservancy. As a future owner, the County would benefit from the additional investment by GOCO into the property.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Alternatives: Approve, modify, or deny the request.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
?Be fiscally sustainable
?Provide essential and manda...
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