Maybe well said, but wrong. State of Colorado C&TS funds come through appropriations established by the state legislature from the general funds available to the state. The funds available to CHS come specifically from the taxes collected from gambling profits, and 28% of the taxes collected by the state from gambling are thus specifically earmarked by a constitutional amendment to go towards historic preservation, and the resultant fund is called the State Historical Fund. From that fund, as established by enabling legislation passed by the state legislature, is a system set up to award grants towards specific projects. Not included or allowed in the Fund is money for the on-going cost of operations or new non-historic structures. So before you call foul, be aware that the Fund has supported several historic preservation projects for the C&TS. All it takes is a worthy project, an application, and a match of funds normally 30% of the grant request total, and approval from a review committee made up of people from around the state.
And where does the other 72% of the gambling tax money go? Why, into the state's general fund. And the boys and girls we elect to represent us spend it on everything else the state needs, from education to whatever. Maybe even a pittance for the C&TS.
CHS funds going towards the Loop are from the pool of money available to them for historic preservation. As long as they spend money on "restoration,or preservation" i.e., the rebuilding of the equipment for operation, they are on solid ground, statute wise. But, if the funds are spent on something else, like daily operating expenses, then a gray area of some interest may develop. The internal funds generated by CHS, like from memberships, gift shop sales, admission to their properties, can be spent outside of the restrictions imposed on the Fund, but again within certain guidelines subject to audit. What ever CHS spends, at this point, is not part of the state's budget and is not otherwise available for any other uses.
