I-70 Regional Economic Advancement Partnership

(REAP)

July 12, 2012

REAP Mission StatementStimulate 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.

REAP POLICY STATEMENTThe 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.

The I-70 Corridor (REAP’s World)

Proximity to Denver Metro AreaE-470 & I-70 (and Ports-to-Plains Designation)UPRR MainlineFront Range Airport (and Proximity to DIA)Adams & Arapahoe CountiesIncorporated Towns of Bennett & Deer Trail (&

Aurora!)Communities of Watkins, Strasburg & Byers

REAP’s World (Continued)Agricultural Heritage & ImportanceOpen Space AcquisitionOutdoor Recreational OpportunitiesExisting 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

Recent REAP Activities“I-70 Corridor Economic Assessment” StudyI-70 Corridor Data Collection and MappingOil and Gas DevelopmentSupport for Local DevelopmentFront Range Airport/Spaceport ProposalsProvide a Forum for Regulators and Elected

OfficialsSupport Efforts to Procure Renewable WaterInvolvement in and Support for Comp Plan

Updates

I-70 Regional Corridor Study and Comprehensive Plan Updates

May 24, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Outcomes (REAP’s View)

Updated, Compatible Comprehensive PlansLand Development Regulations Appropriate

for the I-70 CorridorOpportunities for Intergovernmental

AgreementsMarketing Tools All the Partners Might Use