2018-12-12_REVISION - M2018016 (7)

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1 ' Clear Creek Countyofficials have recognized h g d the benefits of growth in the Clear ' Creek County 2017 Municipal Master Plan and have outlined a development framework embracing eight guiding principles.5 ' Diversification - Support the efforts of the County to have a more diverse economic base. • Emplo_yment- Support opportunities to expand the County's job base. ' Supporting Local Governments and Sub-Areas - Support economic activity throughout the County, understanding the important role local governments and sub-areas play as economic centers. ' Tourism and Recreation - Support the role that tourism and recreation play in the regional economy. • Mining and Resource Extraction- Support the continuation of mining and ' broadening the opportunities for resource extraction • Transportation- Support systems that create a "backbone" for regional ' economic activity. • Infrastructure - Support the development of infrastructure that facilitates economic development, and where it demonstrates a net benefit to the ' County. • Investment- Support investments in economic development only where it demonstrates a net benefit to the County. ' While Clear Creek priorities appear to be roughly in concert with those of the citizenry concerned, Clear Creek residents give environmental issues far greater ' prominence.6 It is important to recognize that not all principals and goals may be achievable simultaneously. The proposed DMRM is a clear example of a case in point where trade-offs need to be made. As we shall show,there are conflicts between the desire to encourage mining and resource extraction and the goals of improving regional transportation and encouraging tourism and recreation -- a prime attraction of Clear Creek County and the ski and vacation resorts further west. Finally, there is a conflict between the DMRM and supporting local interests of the town of Empire. 5https://www.co.clear-creek.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/929 6 According to the 2010 Clear Creek County Citizen Survey, "About 9 in 10 respondents thought it was "essential" or"very important" to keep the scenic beauty of Clear Creek County (92%), to protect air and water quality (92%)and to preserve natural areas, habitats and open land in the county (87%). Approximately three-quarters gave "very important" or"essential"ratings to preserving `small town' character(76%) and enhancing public spaces, parks, and trails (73%). ' Roughly two-thirds reported that it was at least"very important"to reduce energy usage (66%), encourage renovation and improvement of existing commercial areas (66%),preserve historic homes and buildings (64%) and support responsible mining(63%)." https://www.co.clear- creek.co.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1021 6