Colorado Democrats propose ambitious school construction plan

Nov. 19, 2007
State would use revenue generated from land leases and mineral rights to help pay for new schools

After touring rural schools that have rotting roofs and moldy floors, some Colorado legislators are proposing to spend nearly $1 billion plan to bail out districts that can't afford to replace decrepit and unsafe buildings. Top Democrats, led by House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate President-elect Peter Groff, want to use a fund generated from the 3 million acres the federal government gave Colorado schoolchildren in 1876. They are proposing to take $30 million to $40 million each year for the next 20 years--about a third of the amount the fund generates in interest and lease payments. The state could increase the first year's allotment up to $450 million by financing new school buildings through private investors

Click here to read The Denver Post article.

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