DENVER — Denver officials have approved or spent more than $1 billion in spending for three major construction projects recently while simultaneously implementing hiring freezes, furloughs and budget cuts due to a $250 million general fund shortfall over the next two years.
The series of major construction projects is intended to increase revenue for the city and is being paid for through capital funding that must be used for infrastructure improvements.
The city recently approved $800 million over 35 years for the National Western Equestrian Center project, allocated $70 million for a new professional women’s soccer stadium and spent $175 million on 16th Street Mall construction…