HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.040.2012 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE
SUPPORTING THE STATE'S CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF LOTTERY FUNDS
RESOLUTION NO.010 -2012
WHEREAS,Pitkin County has a longstanding commitment to the conservation and
enhancement of wildlife,parks,rivers,trails,working farms and ranches and open space.
WHEREAS, GOCO has contributed$10,607,828 million to Pitkin County Open Space and
Trails(OST)Program's open space acquisition projects,helping to conserve 9,980 acres directly,
and contributing to our program's overall success in protecting over 18,000 acres. OST projects
funded by GOCO have preserved Pitkin County's scenic treasures,wildlife habitat, agricultural
lands and recreational access, contributing to our community's quality of life, continued
ecological health, local food production and success in attracting visitors from around the world.
Key projects include the purchase of Droste, Seven Star II, Cozy Point South, Filoha Meadows,
and conservation easements on Jerome Park,Windstar,the Grange Ranch, Cold Mountain
Ranch, and the Harvey Ranch.
WHEREAS,GOCO has contributed$2,842,298 million to OST projects to develop trails and
facilities for outdoor recreation. OST Projects that have benefitted from GOCO funding include
The Rio Grande Trail and Corridor acquisition, The Crystal Trail, and Redstone Park.
WHEREAS,GOCO and the Conservation Trust Fund have provided funding for 15 local park
facilities in Pitkin County, serving residents,tourists,travelers on the West Elk Loop Scenic
Byway, skateboarders,equestrians,mountain bikers,hikers, snowshoers and nordic skiers,
providing watchable wildlife opportunities, interpretive trails and educational facilities,ball
fields,tracks,batting cages,climbing walls and recreation centers, and wetlands and streambank
restoration.
WHEREAS,by wish of Colorado voters,Colorado Lottery proceeds have been an essential
source of funding for parks,recreation,open space, and wildlife projects providing$2.3 billion
across the state in the past 28 years.
WHEREAS, lottery funds support a thriving outdoor recreation industry which contributes over
$10 billion annually to Colorado's economy, supports 107,000 jobs across Colorado, generates
nearly$500 million in annual state tax revenue, and produces $7.6 billion annually in retail sales
and services across Colorado.
WHEREAS,profits from the sale of lottery products are allocated according to this formula: up
to 50 percent to the Great Outdoors Colorado(GOCO)Trust Fund,40 percent to the
Conservation Trust Fund, and 10 percent to The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.
WHEREAS, Colorado Lottery is GOCO's single source of funding, capped at$35 million a year
adjusted for inflation; if GOCO's share exceeds that amount,the remainder goes into the State
Public School Fund.
WHEREAS, GOCO gives money to projects across the state to help improve communities.
Funds help trails, improve parks, open outdoor recreation facilities,preserve ranchlands and view
corridors, improve and expand river quality and access, and conserve wildlife habitat.
WHEREAS, since 1994, GOCO has invested more than$757 million in Lottery funds back to
the state; grants to more than 3,400 projects in all 64 counties;permanent conservation of more
than 800,000 acres of open space; the creation and restoration of more than 765 miles of trails;
the development or enhancement of more than 1,050 community parks and outdoor recreation
centers.
WHEREAS,the Conservation Trust Fund helps local parks and recreation providers—towns,
cities, counties and special districts use funds for open space and park land acquisition,recreation
equipment purchases,recreational facility development,park maintenance, and for the renovation
and restoration of these local facilities.
WHEREAS, statewide, school-based and education related projects have garnered nearly$20
million in GOCO/Lottery funds over the years,ranging from resources and facilities like
playgrounds, outdoor classrooms,ball fields and tennis courts,to educational programming
offered through Colorado State Parks and the Division of Wildlife.
WHEREAS, Colorado's 42 state parks use lottery money for trail construction and maintenance,
land acquisition, equipment and facility purchases and maintenance of state parks facilities.
WHEREAS, current budget shortfalls have led the Legislature in many instances to raid trust
funds and other dedicated revenue sources.
WHEREAS, a change to the current lottery distribution funding would be detrimental to
Colorado's educational,recreational and outdoor grants.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin
County, Colorado that Pitkin County supports the preservation of the current lottery distribution
formula; and urge Colorado lawmakers to protect the historic distribution formula that allocates
Lottery's outdoor dollars in collaboration with local governments and other local partners.
INTRODUCED,FIRST READ,AND ADOPTED ON THE 11th DAY OF APRIL, 2012.
ATT . : BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF PITKIN COUNTY COLORADO
By 1 / ��
Jeanett Jones ' ! �' ,p/
Deputy ounty Clerk L« a,-tri Ici, aaK - e °IP
Date: 1//////k___
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
John fun _ •�
l
Dale Will,Direc or
Open Space& Trails Program
MANAGER APPROVAL:
on Peac•c , County Manager
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