Udall, Bennet Introduce Bill to Use Excess Federal Land for Affordable Housing in Summit County

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 17, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Senators Mark Udall, who chairs the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee, and Michael Bennet introduced legislation today to convey 40 acres of federal administrative land from the U.S. Forest Service Dillon Ranger District to Summit County. The legislation, which Udall conducted a public-comment period on starting in May, would help the county provide much-needed affordable housing in Summit County while supporting a new Dillon Ranger District administrative building nearby.

Congressman Jared Polis has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Access to affordable housing is a critical component of supporting Colorado’s tourism economy in the high country. This proposal, supported throughout Summit County, ensures that hardworking families and public servants alike will be able to support local businesses and bolster our high quality of life,” Udall said. “I look forward to continuing to work on this legislation in the U.S. Senate to allow Summit County to develop this strip of land for affordable housing.”

“This exchange, which has strong local community support, helps the citizens of Summit County meet their affordable housing needs,” Bennet said. “Senator Udall has done an excellent job reaching out to the community, listening to everyone’s input and following through with a commonsense proposal.”

The parcel of land, which sits between Interstate 70 and the Dillon Dam Road, is no longer suitable for management by the Forest Service. The transfer would allow Summit County to develop the area to provide much-needed affordable housing near public transit. The proposal has received broad community support, including from the Summit County Board of County Commissioners, the towns of Frisco and Dillon, and Conservation Colorado.