The scenic area attracts rafters, fisherman, kayakers, and a new generation of gold panners who will be able to enjoy the mountain rivers and beautiful landscape. The state constitutional amendment that legalized gambling also established the Colorado State Historical Fund. Under this law, a portion of the gaming tax revenue is distributed to the affected towns and other cities throughout Colorado to help preserve and restore the areas that played a significant role in the history of the state. Residents of Central City and Black Hawk may apply for grants from this fund to return their historic homes to the brilliance they displayed during the prosperous mining era. Out of the 160 people living in the town of Black Hawk, most people are strong on the industry.
Most people work for it now and are pro-gaming.
There are several key ingredients that make the cleanup and redevelopment of this site a Superfund success story. Although the gaming and historic preservation laws were catalysts in revitalizing the towns, the partnerships formed by EPA resulted in the cleanup of land critical to the economic growth of the area. To ensure successful cleanup, EPA and the State worked closely with developers as well as the State and local governments involved. They worked with officials in Black Hawk to establish a cleanup permit plan for companies interested in developing other non-Superfund contaminated properties. As part of this partnership, EPA helped the local government establish action plans that determine whether and how a developer should clean the property.