Local Demographics

Location

The I-70 Corridor region extends along I-70 east of Denver from Watkins to Deer Trail, a distance of about 34 miles along the Adams/Arapahoe county line. The Chamber of Commerce serves Watkins, Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail. Both counties plan a high percentage growth rate over the next 15 to 20 years.

Population & Growth

The Denver-Metropolitan Area has reached a population of 2 million, a doubling in the regional population since 1960. Growth in Adams and Arapahoe Counties has been due mainly to a balance of net migration and natural growth. The I-70 Corridor, meanwhile, has experienced a 1 to 2 percent growth rate over the past five years, and that rate is expected to increase over the next decade. A number of planned unit developments are already in the planning stages. The 2000 census shows a population of 13,205 in the I-70 Corridor Chamber of Commerce, with a projection of 26,203 by the year 2015.

Geography

The terrain is relatively flat with plateau-like land. The elevation is slightly higher than the Mile High City of Denver.

Weather

The climate is semi-arid with only about 15 inches of precipitation annually, allowing about 300 days of sunshine annually. The humidity is generally very low. Winters are usually mild with nice warm days throughout.

Transportation

The towns of the I-70 Corridor are often considered bedroom communities as many residents commute to Denver for employment. Special transit is now available Monday thru Friday by appointment. The Union Pacific Railroad pass- es through each town as does I-70. Other highways traversing the region are Colorado Highways 36 and 40, U.S. Highway 36, and Colorado Highway 79.

Livelihood

Crop farming and livestock are major industries with the average farm occupying 948 acres. The Corridor also boasts more than 500 small, locally-owned businesses. Denver International Airport, approximately 25 miles to the northwest, is the first major airport to open in more than 20 years. The airport has generated numerous jobs, spurring long-term economic development for the entire region. Total employment in the I-70 Corridor has grown rapidly in the past few years, increasing an average 13% per year to a total employment level of about 2,500. There is a diverse mix of industries present in the corridor, with a concentration of employment in services, retail, utilities, transportation and construction. About ninety percent of the corridors businesses are small businesses with less than 10 employees. Roughly 38% of the corridor's businesses are those that are self-employed and only have a single employee. Slightly more than a dozen private companies and several governmental agencies employ more than 25 people in the area.

Schools

Each corridor town, with the exception of Watkins, has its own school district serving preschool through 12th grade students. Students from Watkins are in the Bennett School District. The schools are linked with fiber-optic facilities to provide cooperative learning opportunities for our students and citizens. College classes are also offered locally through Morgan Community College.

Protection

Corridor communities are protected by the cooperative efforts of the Adams County Sheriff's Department, the Arapahoe county Sheriff's Department and the Colorado State Patrol. Each town is also served by its own volunteer fire and rescue departments which also work cooperatively.

Recreation

Recreational activities are provided through two recreation districts as well as independent sports associations and other community organizations. The close proximity to the Denver Metropolitan Area and the mountains also provides an abundance of recreational and cultural opportunities.

Utilities

Electricity is provided by either Xcel Energy or IREA. Several local companies offer either propane or natural gas throughout the area.

Telecommunication services, including local and long distance telephone, fiber optic, T1 service and cellular or digital service are provide by several companies through out the corridor. Telephone companies include: Eastern Slope Rural Telephone Association, Inc., TDS, and Bijou Telephone.

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As a resident of the I-70 Corridor, you would have the advantage of a rural setting with easy accessibility to Denver. Quality of life is a major benefit.

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