The purpose of the Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D) program is to improve utilization, development and conservation of local resources, both natural and human, thereby, creating a positive impact on the economic, social and environmental qualities in an authorized RC&D area.

The East Central Colorado RC&D Area originally included Elbert, Lincoln, Cheyenne, Kit Carson counties and the northeast corner of El Paso county. In 1989 the East Central Colorado RC&D Area expanded to include the entire eastern half of El Paso county as far west as Peyton Highway, bringing the total area to 6,226,160 acres. The area is bordered on the east by the Kansas line and on the west by the front range of the Rocky Mountains.