Denver, Adams County Strike Deal Over Land At DIA
DENVER (CBS4) - Since announcing his plans to build an "airport city" at Denver International Airport, tensions have run high between Denver Mayor Michael Hancock's office and other governments which allowed land to be annexed for the airport.
The original deal was struck in 1988, but last year Adams County wanted their land back because of a disagreement about how -- and who -- should develop it. Now there's a new deal in place.
An agreement between Denver and Adams County was approved unanimously at a meeting Wednesday morning.
The motion keeps intact the 1988 agreement, but would add some amendments including a 1,500-acre pilot program at DIA to allow for more commercial uses.
Adams County and Denver would evenly split the tax revenues from any of the commercial uses on the 1,500 acres. Denver will also provide Adams County with an upfront payment of $10 million, although where that money will come from exactly hasn't been determined.
Adams County Commissioner Eric Hansen admits it took a long time getting to the agreement.
"I believe personally that this is a new era in collaboration in economic development for Adams County, Denver, and frankly the entire state of Colorado," Hansen said. "This is the kind of thing that's not easy. It took hard work, it took persistence, it took a commitment over a multi-year process from numerous jurisdictions and entities to make this happen."
It's not a done deal. Voters in both Denver and Adams County will have to vote on the motion in the November elections.