There wil always be changes in the mountain economy

There wil always be changes in the mountain economy By Bob Sweeney

Totten reported that not all older people retire after age 55 or 60, saying significant numbers of senior citizens continue to work full or part-time well into their early 70s.

During warm-weather months, rafting along Clear Creek (the stream), touring the historic Argo mines, lounging at the In- dian Hot Springs indoor pool, or sampling the restaurants, bars, and locally-owned gift shops attract thousands of visitors to Idaho Springs. Finding an avail- able parking space in downtown Idaho Springs during the sum- mer tourist season is nearly as tricky as finding the proverbial needle in the haystack.

Both counties rely heavily on tourism to bolster their econo- mies, support businesses and generate sales-tax revenues for local government entities.

Economic impact Totten said 26 percent of Clear Creek County’s GDP comes from the mining industry, followed by revenues generated in the accommodation/hospitality and tourism industries. “That’s not surprising,” said Totten of the tourism impact on the county. “It’s beautiful up here, and a lot of people from Denver come up to get away.”

Greg Totten CO demographer

linsville through the Moffat Tunnel to Steamboat Springs and Craig. This could mean passenger service stopping in Rollinsville, including winter ski business, gaming inter- ests, lodging, food, and great hiking trails.

Interstate I-70 is critical for the economies of both counties, particularly in Clear Creek, be- cause the highway travels along- side the county’s largest town, Idaho Springs, and passes next to Georgetown and other nearby communities. There are three exits for Idaho Springs along I-70, giving drivers a few chanc- es to pull over to see what the

WR-C Publisher

As WR-C readers have noticed, we consider Clear Creek County is a crucial adjacent neighbor of friends, entrepreneurs, mining and gaming employees, and folks who like to dine at Marian’s, making Idaho Springs and Georgetown home. Throughout the lengthy history of mining, the communities have formed a strong bond, including the Argo mine tunnel that runs from Central City to the mine. We can’t forget the “Oh My God” wind- ing road to the Clear Creek mills.

“2007 was the peak year for births in Colo- rado, which is getting older. Now you have people coming here who aren’t in prime fertil- ity age. There are a lot of people who are 65, who won’t be having any children, but they are getting closer to passing away,” according to Totten.

I remember my Chamber of Commerce days in Craig as mayor 50 years ago as we sought new industry for that remote corner of Colorado, and we landed four coal-fired power plants that ballooned Craig from 4,000 residents to 15,000 in several years. Colorado Local Affairs, direct- ed by Gov. Dick Lamm, awarded the community $1 mil- lion for a new high school. The tax base boomed, creating many career jobs for residents and high school graduates.

Tourism in Idaho Springs has also increased sales taxes collected for the county in recent years, he added.

In nearby Georgetown, the lake, local businesses and the Georgetown Loop Railroad excursions also attempt to lure tourists who may be travel- ing toward the state’s world- renown ski resort towns that host warm-weather events in addition to skiing during the winter.

In Gilpin, about 75 percent of the economy is derived from the gam- ing and associated hospitality businesses. The county’s economy fell sharply during the pandemic in 2020 but rebounded quickly when health-related restrictions were lifted the following year.

He added that neither county saw a sharp increase in births during the past few decades. Overall, Colorado saw its larg- est growth arrive from younger people in their 20s and 30s, who moved to the Centennial State after graduating from college. “Colorado is [consid- ered] a young state because of all the 25-to-35-year-olds who live here,” according to Totten. He contrasted the rate with Arizona, which experienced a sizeable senior growth rate during the past few decades as people 60 and over headed to the warmer-weather state

Last Thursday evening, I was a guest at the Rural Re- silience Economic Development mixer at the newly refurbished Club Hotel in Idaho Springs by owners Jonah and Lana Hearne.

community offers.

Today, while China builds a power plant every week, the Craig coal plants are shutting down as environmentalists promote wind and solar. My hometown is struggling to gain a new identity that will be based on tourism, outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, golf and 40 miles downstream from Steamboat Springs, one of the best ski resorts in the world. Real estate in Craig is selling fast, far less than in the Steamboat Springs area, with the concept of driving a little and saving a lot on real estate.

The number of I-70 exits for Gilpin County is fewer, although the inter- state also plays a crucial role for the county’s two gam- ing towns, Black Hawk and Central City. Exit 243 of I-70 leads to the Central City Park- way, a windy and sometimes steep four-lane highway

Arriving early as an Elks Club member of 1566 Craig Lodge, I spent a few minutes in the Lodge. It was a beehive of activity as the Square Peg Catering staff were preparing the appetizers for the mixer at the Club Hotel across Colorado Street, using the Elks Club kitchen. And what a great job they did. The abundant trays of tasty appetizers were a big hit, with dozens who attended during the dinner hour.

Gilpin County draws thou- sands of hikers and campers to its two national forests, the Arapaho and Roosevelt forests, which stretch through several Colorado counties but are closer to Denver and the Front Range than other places.

Continued on next page

There wil always be changes in the mountain economy

Patrick Henry Sweeney

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There wil always be changes in the mountain economy

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