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Panel focuses on solutions to state transportation woes, an article from The Coloradoan, reports that the 30-member Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel met in Windsor on Tuesday.  The meeting focused on regional problems in the North Front Range corridor and on funding alternatives.  Some of the options discussed as funding alternatives were:  a $5-a-day visitor tax that might generate as much as $205 million a year; a $68 increase in the vehicle registration fee and a registration fee based on weight groups for vehicles.  The panel has looked into about 30 funding options, but has narrowed that number down to a more realistic 20 options.  Of those 20, about 10 were discussed at the meeting on Tuesday. http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070926/NEWS01/709260319/1002/NEWS01  

Home Sales In High Country Stay Hot, an article from cbs4denver.com, reports that home sales in Colorado's mountains are bucking the downward trend nationally.  Homes in the high country are being purchased by people from Denver and the Front Range.  Two popular spots to buy are Frisco and Breckenridge.  Condos at the base of Peak 7 in Breckenridge have been selling out and construction is not even completed yet.  Homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 range have been the most popular.  Single-family homes were selling for an average of $700,000 in August. http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_269233659.html  

Disaster Insurance Bill Takes Big Step Forward, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that the U.S. House Financial Services Committee passed legislation that aims to ensure home owners in high-risk areas have access to affordable disaster insurance.  Also known as the Homeowners Defense Act of 2007, the act is strongly supported by NAR.  The Homeowners Defense Act will give states flexibility to assess and customize their programs based on the defined risk to their citizens. http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007092602