Agriculture lands spared ‘blight’ label

After June 1, most Colorado agricultural lands may no longer be considered “blighted” areas in need of tax increment financing for development.

House Bill 1107, sponsored by state Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, was adopted by strong bipartisan votes in both the House and Senate. The bill was awaiting the signature of Gov. Bill Ritter on April 5.

The so-called “blight” bill aims to curb the efforts of developers and cities to declare agricultural land on the outskirts of communities blighted and therefore eligible to be included in urban renewal zones. The property tax increase on that land is then used by…