You are a Colorado multi-billionaire! Since 1983, the Lottery has returned more than $2 billion dollars to the people of Colorado.
Those funds have gone to build parks and recreation facilities, help preserve wildlife and open spaces, and build state facilities.
When the Lottery began in 1983, Lottery proceeds were distributed according to statute as follows:
- 10% to the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (State Parks)
- 40% to the Conservation Trust Fund (Conservation Trust Funds are for use by local governments for parks and recreation projects chosen by each community. Conservation Trust Funds are distributed on a per capita basis to municipalities, counties and special districts that provide park and recreation services.)
- 50% to the State Capital Construction Fund (state buildings)
Currently, Colorado Lottery proceeds are distributed according to the will of the voters.
- 10% to State Parks
- 40% to the Conservation Trust Fund
- Up to 50% to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
GOCO funding is capped at $35 million in 1992 dollars, adjusted for the Denver Consumer Price Index. GOCO funds are awarded on a grant basis. The state constitution stipulates that GOCO funds are to be distributed in substantially equal portions to the following four areas:
- Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Open space
- Local parks and recreation
Any funds that exceed the cap for GOCO flow into the Colorado Department of Education Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund. These dollars are used to address the repair and rebuilding issues facing school districts statewide.