BLUEPRINT 2.0
The board agreed to send letters of support to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade for Rangely, Meeker and the county’s applications to the Blueprint 2.0 program. In its third year, Blueprint 2.0 is designed to leverage state partnerships and specialized resources to address the economic development goals of rural areas of Colorado. Rangely and Meeker’s applications will focus on growing their outdoor recreation industries while the county is seeking to improve brand building. Meeker is also submitting an additional application with a focus area of community placemaking. The program does not provide funding but helps to coordinate efforts.
FUNDS TRANSFER TO EAGLE AND ROUTT COUNTIES
RBC will be transferring $14,000 of Colorado Child Care Assistance Program Allocation money to the Routt County Department of Human Services and another $45,000 to the same department in Eagle County. The funds initially come from the state and are designated for the Child Care Assistance Program only. According to the commissioners, Rio Blanco historically does not use all of the allocated money and is therefore able to sell the leftover funds to other counties in need of the funds. The funds are not able to be transferred to any other in-county use.
SUPPORT OF GUN RIGHTS
The commissioners unanimously agreed to support a resolution opposing the enactment of any legislation that would infringe upon the right of the people to keep and bear arms, saying such laws are unconstitutional and beyond legislative authority.
BIDS AWARDED
A $93,858 bid for pavement marking paint and a $25,000 bid for weed and pest helicopter spraying were awarded.
COMMISSIONER UPDATES
Commissioner Woodruff said he recently explained to the Meeker Town Council that the County is already providing $24,000 for a Mind Springs Clinician. Both Woodruff and Rector discussed an AGNC presentation about carbon fiber and its potential locally. They are hopeful to bring a presentation about the topic to RBC.
Commissioner Rector told the board that Secretary of the Interior Zinke approved a right-of-way for the Enefit oil shale project which is open for comment until July 2. Rector believes the project could be beneficial to RBC.
Commissioner Bolton is working with a group of other Commissioners and experts developing a white paper for gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton about agricultural and water issues.