DENVER (AP) Denver will speed up city construction, including three libraries and a crime lab, to pump the local economy.

Mayor John Hickenlooper said Dec. 11 the city will complete approximately 200 improvement projects in four years instead of five. He said the move is needed to boost Denver’s economy with construction jobs.

Other projects include a new animal shelter and renovations to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. They’re all part of a $550 million “Better Denver’’ bond package approved last year.

Gov. Bill Ritter joined the mayor’s announcement. Ritter has called on Washington to speed transportation and energy improvements for the whole state to spark an economic revival.

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