The Colorado House has passed legislation to direct funding to local governments for wildfire mitigation efforts, extend whistleblower protections and improve backcountry search and rescue operations.
“Local governments are on the frontlines of our state’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires, which is why we are dedicating $10 million to local governments to incentivize them to establish dedicated wildfire mitigation funding,” said Rep. Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs). “This legislation will direct additional and badly needed resources to local governments to protect properties and lives.”
Rep. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) said with climate change causing increasingly devastating wildfires, “it’s paramount that we take aggressive action. This program will ensure state and local government are working together to address the threat of wildfire and better leverage state funding.”
Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011, sponsored by Cutter and Snyder, passed by a vote of 48-16 and would leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts.
Backcountry Search and Rescue: SB22-168, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) and Perry Will, passed by vote of 57-8. The bill will improve back country search and rescue operations in Colorado by moving these responsibilities to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife within...
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