Highlighting Local Businesses; Promoting Road and Animal Safety; Exploring Summer Incentives for Colorado Children and Showcasing Community-Focused Housing in Castle Rock
SOUTHERN COLORADO - Today, Governor Polis traveled to Colorado Springs and Castle Rock to visit with local businesses ahead of Colorado's 149th birthday, promote Colorado's commitment to reducing human-wildlife road incidents, and tour a housing development in Castle Rock as part of the state’s effort to build housing that fits every budget.
Governor Polis kicked off his day visiting Goat Patch Brewery, meeting with local restaurateurs and staff to highlight Colorado's thriving craft brewery ecosystem and Colorado's small business economy.
“Coloradans love craft beer and the local businesses that power our economy. I am proud of our work to continue to create more avenues for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, building a more robust economy, and creating more jobs in the communities they serve,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis also joined the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and local and company leadership to announce 500 new jobs at ITS, LLC, an information technology engineering, cybersecurity, and technology solutions business that is expanding in Colorado Springs and projected to create 500 jobs, and continue strengthening Colorado's leading aerospace and defense industry.
Governor Polis then visited Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to meet with children attending the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo summer camp who are exploring all the outdoor activities offered to Colorado students and families during the summer months.
“Whether it's at the zoo or exploring a new park, Colorado students and families have a number of out-of-school activities to choose from that fit every budget and schedule. I was excited to visit with some of our remarkable students and camp counselors here in Colorado Springs to learn more about the exciting educational opportunities offered at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to enhance students’ connection with nature and wildlife," said Governor Polis.
Governor Pols then travelled along I-25 to the Greenland Wildlife Overpass, the world's largest structure over a major roadway for wildlife to cross. The structure is built for big game animals such as elk, mule deer and pronghorn. Wildlife overpasses across Colorado play a pivotal role in decreasing the amount of human-animal conflicts, keeping our roads safe for travellers and not interfering with migratory patterns for Colorado's wildlife. This collaborative effort between the Colorado Department of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Douglas County is anticipated to reduce animal-vehicle crashes by 90% in the area.
“Colorado is known for our world-class outdoors and amazing wildlife, and we are working to protect both for generations to come. Colorado is leading the way in reducing human-anaimal conflicts by taking a proactive approach to expand safe travel options for wildlife and improve road safety for Coloradans and communities,” said Governor Polis.
Photo of construction underway on Greenland Wildlife Overpass above I-25
Governor Polis and Colorado Department of Transportation workers on Greenland Wildlife Overpass
Governor Polis finished the day in Castle Rock spotlighting Unity on Park, a community centric affordable housing development designated for residents with disabilities that also provides in-house support and resources to its residents.
“In our Colorado for all, we are working to build communities that represent the people who live there and provide the necessary services for all Colordans to thrive and live in the places they love. By expanding housing options that Coloradans with disabilities can afford and also having care resources nearby, we are delivering on our promises to save people money on housing for everyone in our state,” said Governor Polis.
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