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Growth m Douglas County <br />Growth in Douglas County <br />Why is Douglas County Growing. <br />http://www.douglas.co.us/DC/growth.htm <br />Six major events or circumstances have contributed to the rapid population growth in Douglas <br />County. <br />First, and perhaps foremost, is our LOCATION. Douglas County is located right in the middle of <br />Colorado's two lazgest employment and economic centers, Denver and Colorado Springs. <br />Second, on November 5, 1974 Colorado voters amended Section 3 of Article XIV of the <br />Colorado State Constitution. Also known as the "POUNDSTONE AMENDMENT," this action <br />by the voters severely limited any land annexations by the City and County of Denver. The result <br />has been what has been termed "suburban sprawl." <br />Third, the construction of C-470. Billed as the first "leg" of a beltway around metropolitan <br />Denver. C-470 was built between 1982 and 1990 and provided the first high speed connection of <br />I-25 on the south and I-70 on the west. This connection provided access to massive amounts of <br />undeveloped land in Douglas, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. The Ken Caryl Ranch community <br />in Jefferson County and the Highlands Ranch community in Douglas County are two notable <br />projects which benefited from the construction of C-470. <br />Fourth, the widening of STATE HIGHWAY 83. Also known as "Pazker Road," this project <br />evolved as the result of acitizen-initiated "Bloody 83" campaign in the late 1980's. Prior to its <br />widening from 1992-1994, SH83 between Parker and Bayou Gulch Road was the scene of <br />numerous automobile fatalities (many of whom were Ponderosa High School students). It was also <br />the deadliest stretch of highway in the State of Colorado. Safety was the only issue that led to the <br />widening of SH83; however, communities like The Pinery were given new economic life with the <br />advent of this project. <br />Fifth, LOW INTEREST RATES. Beginning in the spring of 1993, mortgage interest rates <br />reached a 25-year low. Even today, home loans remain below 7.5 percent. Thousands of home <br />owners throughout Colorado chose to refinance their existing mortgage; however, many more <br />chose to buy a new, more expensive home. <br />And finally, E-470. This Public Highway Authority project represents the second and third "legs" <br />of a beltway around metropolitan Denver. When completed in 1999, this project will complete the <br />first high speed connection from I-25 on the south to I-70 on the east, north to Denver <br />International Airport and then west to connect again with I-25 on the north side of Denver. As <br />was the case with C-470, E-470 will connect massive amounts of undeveloped land in Arapahoe, <br />Adams and Douglas counties. <br />• Douglas County Offices <br />(303)660-7400 <br />Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. <br />1 0(2 9/15100 g:04 AM <br />