BOCC Work Sessions

RBC | Commissioners met with the Langdon Group about the White River Water Supply project (also called Wolf Creek Reservoir). The self-described “third party neutral conflict resolution” company was hired by the Department of Interior to facilitate public involvement leading up to a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process that is expected to kick off in the next few months.

“Our intention is to have conversations with people from a range of different perspectives from the various local governments that are in the area,” said Langdon Executive Director Bryant Kuechle. The group will also engage citizens and other interested parties about the proposed project. During the work session Kuechle and staff asked the board questions about public opinion and their support for the project. Commissioner Ty Gates said “I am behind this project because I do believe that water storage is very essential and crucial” noting that the call on the river this year may have had less of an impact on livestock producers if the county had more water storage. “I think it will bring the county closer together,” said Commissioner Doug Overton, adding that he hopes the water will provide augmentation for fishing and recreational activities, in addition to bringing jobs and economic benefits. Commissioner Jennifer O’Hearon said “We need to protect our water here in Colorado, and this is one way that I felt like we’re going to be able to do that.

GRANT UPDATES

• Budget and Finance Director Janae Stanworth updated the board on grants the county applied for this year including:
• a $100K DOLA grant for improvements at Columbine Park
• $106K grant renewal for Senior Nutrition programs
• congressionally directed spending (CDS) grant for upgrades to cyber security
• CDPHE harm reduction grant
• CDPHE grant to purchase a “shredder” for the landfill

Stanworth noted that the CDS funds were approved to update the justice center to a law enforcement training center, but said the process will not be finalized until later this year.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION MOU

Meeker Town Manager Mandi Etheridge asked the board to formalize an agreement regarding the town’s source water protection plan. Because of the location of the town’s drinking water wells and related boundary for “source water protection” they rely on the county to notify them if anything is happening in the area. The issue came up recently when someone in the area wanted to build a septic system, bringing the issue to Etheridge and County Planner Leif Joy’s attention. Moving forward both entities plan to sign a formal memorandum of understanding.