By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
In observance of the Presidents Day holiday, all Douglas County Government offices will be closed and the Link On Demand rideshare service will be unavailable on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Link On Demand and County offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for normal business. Many County services are available 24/7 by visiting online services.
Due to a statewide DMV upgrade, online driver license services are unavailable, and motor vehicle and MVExpress kiosk services will be unavailable beginning the evening of Friday, Feb. 13, until the system re-launches on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Douglas County Motor Vehicle offices will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for system testing.
U.S. 85 widening project to receive critical funds, thanks to Commissioner advocacy
Posted on February 9, 2026 2026News and EventsTransportation
An important transportation project in Douglas County will receive federal funding this year.
On Feb. 3, President Donald Trump signed a five-bill appropriations ‘minibus’ (a spending bill that includes fewer than 12 regular appropriations bills) into law, securing $500,000 in community project funding for the widening of Highway 85 from Sedalia to Castle Rock, a much-needed improvement in the region.
The $500,000 is a direct result of federal engagement by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners in Washington, D.C., last year, as well as sustained action by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.
“This federal investment is a direct result of continued advocacy by Douglas County to address one of the most critical transportation corridors in our region,” said Board Chair George Teal. “Widening U.S. 85 will improve safety, reduce congestion, and support the long-term mobility needs of our residents and businesses. We extend a huge thank you to Congresswoman Boebert for her leadership on this project.”
“U.S. 85 is vital to daily travel, commerce, and emergency response in Douglas County,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “Securing this funding will improve public safety and demonstrate what can be accomplished when local and federal leaders work together for our community.”
“This funding allows us to take a critical next step in advancing the U.S. 85 widening project,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “It’s a smart investment that lays the groundwork for safer travel today and more efficient transportation in the years ahead.”
About the Highway 85 Widening Project:
U.S. Highway 85 is an essential corridor on the National Highway System. Despite prior progress through partnerships with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the remaining segment between Sedalia and Castle Rock faces ongoing safety, capacity, and congestion challenges. This funding will be allocated to design for the project, which is being led by CDOT. The funding will also go toward right-of-way and utility relocations.
“I was proud to secure $500,000 in federal funding to help advance the widening of U.S. Highway 85 between Sedalia and Castle Rock,” said Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. “This project has been a top priority for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, and their leadership and persistence made this investment possible. Widening U.S. 85 will improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen a critical transportation corridor for residents, businesses, and first responders. I appreciate the Commissioners’ partnership and am glad to deliver federal resources that move this important project forward for Douglas County.”
Each year, local governments can apply for funding through the offices of their Congressional Representative. In 2025, Douglas County requested and advocated for community project funding through Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for projects that improve water and transportation infrastructure in our region. Learn more about their advocacy on our webpage.
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