Lamar and Pueblo are “open for business” to Buc-ee’s travel stop

LAMAR, Colo. (KRDO) - The mayor of Lamar says his city does desire Beaver Nuggets, and he wants Lamar to become home to Colorado’s next Buc-ee’s travel stop.

Last week, Governor Jared Polis and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper penned an open letter opposing the proposed Buc-ee’s in Palmer Lake. Earlier this month, the Palmer Lake Planning Commission also voted against annexing the land for the project.

Now, with residents of the town squarely taking control of all future annexation approval, the proposal is largely considered to be dead in the water.

But now, Lamar Mayor Kirk Crespin is seizing the moment, calling on Buc-ee’s to bring its business east. He argues the city is strategically located at the intersection of Highway 50 and 287, making it a good stop for travelers.

"It's difficult for me when I see communities on the front range who are fighting against growth, against opportunities that we would love to have..." says the Mayor.

Crespin also emphasized that the community is eager for economic growth. His comments come shortly after news broke that Safeway is closing its Lamar location, a loss he acknowledged but insisted would not define the city.

“Safeway's closure is difficult news,” Crespin said. “(But) it does not define our future. We remain committed to growth, opportunity, and progress.”

Read the Mayor's full letter to Buc-ees here.

Pueblo is also joining the conversation, stating that being at the crossroads of I-25 and U.S. Highway 50, two major highway corridors, makes it an ideal candidate.

And when asked about water concerns, the city says they have the resources.

"We have quite a bit of available water resources for development. That's unique here in the west, in general, in Colorado, particularly. But Pueblo does have...those kinds of resources available," says Andrew Hayes, director of public works for Pueblo.

To clarify, Bucee's has not reached out to these cities, expressing interest. In fact, they tell KRDO13 that Palmer Lake is still an ideal location.

Either way, we'll be tracking the efforts on the part of others to change the beaver's mind, potentially.

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