Neither can Southwest Colorado. Sprawl may be seen as largely a Front Range phenomenon, but its repercussions touch every corner of the state. As the cancerous growth along the I-25 corridor consumes resources, state government is naturally inclined to see the needs of outlying or less populated areas as less demanding. Growth outside the Denver area also causes problems beyond the abilities of cities and counties to cope. Commercial development in Vail and Summit County, for example, swells those communities sales tax coffers but lets Leadville pick up the cost of local schools and social services.
Local control has other limits, as well.
Growth in one area can have repercussions for Colorado highways two counties away, or more. The election changed none of that. The Legislature failed to act last year and the result was Amendment 24. If it wishes to avoid a repeat, the time to act is now. Contents copyright 2001, the Durango Herald.