Title
A Resolution Supporting Reauthorization of the Colorado Lottery Division by the General Assembly in 2018
Presenter:
Karen Palus - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Body
Summary:
Lottery proceeds invest in parkland acquisition, park development and operations, trail construction and maintenance, environmental education, volunteer programs, and stewardship and natural resource management.
Per the constitution, Lottery net proceeds are allocated to Colorado state parks through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to DOLA’s Conservation Trust Fund, which allocates funds to eligible local governments on a per capita basis, and to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Surplus funds go to the state’s school capital construction fund Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST).
During its 2018 session the General Assembly will consider legislation to extend the Lottery Division and Great Outdoors Colorado program.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
After Colorado voters approved a state lottery in 1980, the General Assembly created a Lottery Division in the State Department of Revenue to administer the program. In 1992, voters adopted the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) amendment to the state constitution, earmarking up to 50% of annual Lottery proceeds to the trust.
The Colorado Lottery Division is critical to the administration of the entire GOCO program, as well as the Conservation Trust Fund and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Lottery Division is set to expire unless extended by the General Assembly, which during its 2018 session will consider legislation to extend the Division to 2039.
Since 1983, Lottery has returned more than $3 billion in proceeds to the people of Colorado for projects in all 64 counties. Lottery-funded projects have helped connect families to the outdoors; created and enhanced local trails and parks; built outdoor recreation facilities; preserved ranchlands, water resources, and view corridors; improved river access and quality; and conserved wildlife habitat. In Colorado Springs Lottery dollars have supported the acquisition of Red Rock Canyon Open Space, constructed trails such as the Greenway Trail, built facilities such as Cottonwood Creek Community Park and Leon Young Youth Sports Park, and has been used for countless other acquisitions, park and trail construction projects, and facility renovations.
This item supports the City’s strategic goals relating to investing in infrastructure and excelling in City services through the millions of dollars received by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department that has been put toward maintenance and capital projects throughout the community.
Financial Implications:
Funding through the Lottery Division may be used to maintain park sites, build facilities, acquire land, preserve natural resources, and improve local trails and parks. Since 1983 and 1992 respectively, the Conservation Trust Fund has distributed over $98,004,700 and the GOCO Trust Fund has distributed over $15,295,900 in grants directly to Colorado Springs. However, since 2009 almost all Conservation Trust Fund dollars have had to be allocated toward the most basic ongoing maintenance services and in 2017 will represent 48% of the total budget allocation earmarked for park maintenance. If this source of funds were to become unavailable maintenance services would be reduced to a level commensurate with the budget reductions experienced during the economic downturn of 2009-2010. This would significantly impact the economic benefits to the City that were identified in the 2016 Trust for Public Lands study to include reduced property values of properties adjacent to parks, reduced quality of life factors that directly influence economic development, and other economic benefits related to storm water, health services, tourism and recreation.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to pass a resolution supporting the reauthorization of the Colorado Lottery program.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval to support a resolution to reauthorize the Colorado Lottery Division program.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A