Centennial State News

Fourteen initiatives across Colorado have been selected for the Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards, which acknowledge projects using state Lottery funds to enhance the lives of residents. These award-winning efforts represent a collective investment exceeding $116 million, underpinned by income from Lottery sales.

The projects span various fields, including environmental conservation, trail restoration, educational infrastructure enhancement, and youth engagement with nature. These initiatives have made their mark from Fort Collins to Grand Junction and Lamar.

Since its inception in 1983, the Colorado Lottery has reinvested over $4.4 billion in activities that allow Coloradans to enjoy the outdoors. The funding is channeled through Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), and the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program.

Some of the awarded projects include:

- **O’Brien Park** in the Town of Parker, backed with $600,000 from CTF and a total budget of $2,299,736.

- **Reed Park Renovation** in the City of Fruita, funded by CTF and GOCO with $927,800, part of a $2,324,114 overall budget.

- **Serene Conservancy** managed by Prospect Recreation & Park District, supported with $157,751 from CTF out of a $1,309,372 budget.

- **Fort Lupton Community Park** in the City of Fort Lupton, aided with $500,000 from GOCO towards a total budget of $3,245,965.

- **Camp Hale National Monument Planning** in Summit County, receiving $43,575 from GOCO out of a $75,800 total.

- **Hanging Lake Trail Restoration** by the National Forest Foundation, with $2,532,000 funded through GOCO and CPW, contributing to a total of $4,789,462.

Additional awarded initiatives include the **Arkansas River Levee Trail** in Pueblo, the **Lewis Heritage Farm** with Conservation Partners and the Lewis Family, and the **Julesburg School Construction**, among others. Each project focuses on preserving the state's resources and enhancing community welfare.

Organizations and entities involved in these projects work towards long-term benefits for the public and environmental conservation across the state.