In observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, all Douglas County Government offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19. Offices will reopen on Friday, June 20, for normal business. Ballot drop boxes and VSPC Services (opening Monday, June 16) will still be available. Many County services are available 24/7 by visiting online services.
Posted on May 19, 2025 2025
Your priorities are being heard at the federal level – which may result in funding to widen a critical section of US 85.
Following a working advocacy trip by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners earlier this year, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert on May 15, announced the 15 Community Project Funding requests she made for her district in Fiscal Year 2026, including $12 million for projects in Douglas County.
The funding requests focus on projects that will improve infrastructure and water quality for communities of all sizes across the Fourth Congressional District, ranging from pipeline construction to road and safety improvements, including three projects in Douglas County.
On behalf of communities in Douglas County, Boebert is requesting funding for three projects: the Plum Creek to Rueter-Hess Reservoir Pipeline, the Louviers Water & Sanitation District Drinking Water Distribution Replacement, and widening US Highway 85 between Sedalia and Castle Rock. If approved, these funds will support infrastructure improvements that align with the Douglas County Board of Commissioner’s priorities, including transportation.
US 85 is a critical roadway not only because it is a strategic highway for national defense, but it is also used by local commuters, serves as an alternate route when crashes occur on I-25, and as a route for tourists traveling to C-470 and to the I-70 mountain corridor. This widening project has progressed slowly due to limited state and federal funds allocated to US 85.
In an effort to advance these critical improvements, Douglas County has partnered numerous times with the Colorado Department of Transportation on a segment-by-segment basis over the past 20 years, including the current widening project in Highlands Ranch. The last remaining segment – between Sedalia and Castle Rock – has several safety and operational deficiencies and capacity constraints that contribute to existing and future anticipated traffic congestion.
“These infrastructure projects aren’t just about fixing roads and bridges — they are central to building a better future for our families and businesses,” said Commissioner George Teal, “If funded, these projects will tackle some serious challenges we’re facing in Colorado, like ensuring clean, renewable water and repairing the crumbling infrastructure that’s been left to fall apart by a fiscally unreliable state.”
The Board has been consistent advocates for infrastructure funding. This project was one of their top priorities during their annual visit to Washington D.C., where they met with Rep. Boebert and other federal policy makers.
“As Colorado grapples with critical challenges concerning clean, renewable water and the urgent need to modernize our aged-out or nonexistent roads and bridges, this funding represents a beacon of hope,” said Commissioner Laydon. “It is an investment in the future of Douglas County that promises to yield dividends far beyond its borders.”
“I am thankful for this ongoing cooperation with our federal delegation and for Rep. Boebert’s commitment to Douglas County through her Community Project Funding request, which focuses on essential water and infrastructure projects in Douglas County,” said Commissioner Van Winkle. “These proposed projects aren’t merely about improving our physical landscape; it is about investing in the very fabric of our growing communities.”
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