Ports-to-Plains Alliance Colorado Regional Meeting July 12, 2012 May Farms, Byers, CO Connecting Colorado’s Economy: I-70 Regional Economic Advancement Partnership Matt Reay, Chairman, I-70 REAP

1. I-70 Regional Economic Advancement Partnership
(REAP)
July 12, 2012

2. REAP Mission Statement
 Stimulate private investment in order to increase
opportunities for employment, expand the tax base,
broaden the economy and generally improve the
quality of life for our citizens.

3. REAP POLICY STATEMENT
 The Regional Economic Advancement Partnership (REAP)
is a community not-for-profit group funded by public and
private contributions. Its mission is to help improve the
local economy from E-470 to Deer Trail along the I-70
Corridor. REAP supports quality commercial and
residential projects. It will provide general assistance to
developers. REAP recognizes that its role is different than
that of official public agencies. Those bodies review
projects for their conformity with existing laws and
regulations. REAP does not intend to supplant official
analysis. REAP’s role is limited to appropriate advocacy of
projects which will help improve the economy.

4. The I-70 Corridor (REAP’s World)
 Proximity to Denver Metro Area
 E-470 & I-70 (and Ports-to-Plains Designation)
 UPRR Mainline
 Front Range Airport (and Proximity to DIA)
 Adams & Arapahoe Counties
 Incorporated Towns of Bennett & Deer Trail (&
Aurora!)
 Communities of Watkins, Strasburg & Byers

5. REAP’s World (Continued)
 Agricultural Heritage & Importance
 Open Space Acquisition
 Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
 Existing Businesses, from Ag to Oil & Gas to Home-
Based to Diverse Retail to Services (even a Starbucks!)
 Commitment to Maintaining “Small Town”
Atmosphere even as We Grow
 Strong Partnership Interested in Thoughtful and
Well-Planned Economic Development

6. Recent REAP Activities
 “I-70 Corridor Economic Assessment” Study
 I-70 Corridor Data Collection and Mapping
 Oil and Gas Development
 Support for Local Development
 Front Range Airport/Spaceport Proposals
 Provide a Forum for Regulators and Elected Officials
 Support Efforts to Procure Renewable Water
 Involvement in and Support for Comp Plan Updates

7. I-70 Regional
Corridor Study and
Comprehensive
Plan Updates
May 24, 2012

8. Arapahoe County’s Land Use
Map Adopted May 22,2012

9. BACKGROUND
• Lead Agency creators of the I-70
Regional Corridor Study: Regional
Economic Advancement Partnership
(REAP)
• Team Members: Adams and Arapahoe
Counties, City of Aurora, Towns of
Bennett and Deer Trail, Communities
of Byers and Strasburg and REAP/I-70
Corridor Chamber of Commerce

10. What’s the story?
• Since 2010 the Counties employed
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc and
Vision Land Consultants to focus on I-70
Regional Corridor’s Economic Assessment
completed in January 2011
• The Economic Assessment shows market
based growth potentials, id. gaps in
infrastructure systems, and improve
conditions to position for growth
• Further the Action Plan that shows
competitive Advantages/Disadvantages
and recommendations and Next Steps

11. What’s the story?
• Economic Study recommends an
Intergovernmental Agreement between land
jurisdictions of City of Aurora, Town of
Bennett, Adams and Arapahoe Counties.
• Set the stage for updates to area wide
county comprehensive plans which includes
subarea plans for Strasburg & Byers.
• And specifically, the I-70 Regional Corridor,
and the remaining eastern unincorporated
rural areas of the Counties

12. Some History
• Arapahoe County Planning Commission has been studying:
• the existing 2001 Comprehensive Plan
• Subarea plans
• The I-70 Corridor Economic Assessment completed in Jan
2011
• On December 6, 2011 Arapahoe Board of County
Commissioners and Planning Commission heard the
official presentation on the Economic Assessment for the
I-70 Regional Corridor Study
• On May 22, 2012 Arapahoe County Planning Commission
adopted a new Land Use Map for the entire unincorporated
areas of Arapahoe County, specially creating three
separate tiers for the eastern areas from Gun Club east.
• Town of Bennett’s independent Comprehensive Plan for the
I-70 Corridor approved by the Town Trustees on Jan. 24, 2012
• Adams County Comprehensive plan update for the northern
area of the I-70 Regional Corridor began in early 2012

13. Outcomes (REAP’s View)
 Updated, Compatible Comprehensive Plans
 Land Development Regulations Appropriate for the
I-70 Corridor
 Opportunities for Intergovernmental Agreements
 Marketing Tools All the Partners Might Use