July 24, 2008--Report: Booming West needs federal partnerships (Aspen Times)
Western cities are developing into "megapolitan" areas that deserve more support from the federal government if they’re going to continue to grow, according to a blueprint prepared by the Brookings Institution. Areas where western communities are seeking partnerships with the federal government include water, transportation, immigration and energy to provide the labor and supplies needed to continue growing. "We cannot be a red-headed stepchild where the federal government is involved," said Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, who said the current federal policies aren’t working in the West. According to the Brookings report, the socalled "Mountain Megas" include Las Vegas and surrounding communities, the Wasatch Front in Utah, the Front Range surrounding Denver, the Sun Corridor in Arizona and northern New Mexico.
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