Creating a Unified Community Vision in the Wake of an Environmental Disaster
Silverton, Colorado | In Progress
Project Details
The Challenge
Key Activities
Silverton, Colorado is a small mountain town with a population of about 700. The community has experienced an increase in tourism and popularity in recent years due to its mountain town character and access to year-round outdoor recreation.
Silverton is also home to the Gold Key Mine, which has a history of driving the town’s local economy. But in 2015, an accident occurred causing the release of toxic waste water into the Animas River. The community was able to utilize the Superfund program to clean-up the mess, but the effects of the disaster still have a hold on the community and their economy.
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment had an interest in helping Silverton overcome the effects of the environmental disaster, while also helping the community deal with recent growth pressures. Enlisting the help of the Colorado Brownfields Partnership and Community Builders, this project seeks to create a unified community vision for Silverton by tackling tough issues like growth, connecting to the river, affordable housing, and economic diversification.
Initial meetings with the project management team have begun, but this project is still in beginning stages. Check back soon for progress updates!