Garfield County is supporting a grant application from a Front Range broadband provider looking to bring its service to customers on the Western Slope. Maverix Broadband is seeking a federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant to cover costs of establishing service in Garfield County to connect homes with no internet service. Garfield County Procurement and Contracts Director Scott Henriksen told the Board of County Commissioners that broadband consultant NEO Connect issued an invitation to negotiate to five internet service providers (ISPs) earlier this year. “Maverix was one of those and all summer long we’ve been waiting until these

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is celebrating Constitution Week, signing a proclamation at the board’s Sept. 16 remote meeting in Silt honoring our country’s defining document and the foundation of the republic. Commissioner Mike Samson read the proclamation aloud during the meeting. “We urge all citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American and all the rights and responsibilities, which that privilege involves,” Samson read in the proclamation. On Feb. 29, 1952, the U.S. Congress named Sept. 17 as Constitution Day, and a joint resolution made on August 2, 1956, proclaimed Sept.

Garfield County has approved $22,450 in discretionary grants to six local nonprofits. The county had budgeted $120,000 for nonprofit discretionary grants for 2024, of which $33,550 remains for the fourth-quarter requests. Recipients of nonprofit grants include: • The Valley Senior Center was granted $1,450 for a new 40-gallon water heater to replace its failing, 26-year-old unit. These grant funds were allocated via Garfield County Housing Authority. • Youthentity was granted $5,000 toward two youth career expos – one in Glenwood Springs and the other in Rifle. The events serve more than 1,500 students from Aspen to De Beque, connecting youth

Garfield County has approved a letter stating that no new land use permits are required for a chairlift replacement project at Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort. The two-person Segundo chairlift is being replaced by a three-person model in 2025, necessitating tree removal, excavation, and construction of eight new foundations, as well as a new lift house and terminal. The county has provided a letter of support to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) that notes the land use permits are not required for the project since the new chairlift is being constructed within the existing lift’s alignment. The USFS, which owns the

On June 10, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a commitment of $3 million to support the purchase and permanent protection of the water rights associated with the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant. The flows provided by these senior, non-consumptive water rights are essential for maintaining agricultural and recreational economies, and for providing municipal water resources in Garfield County. The total purchase price for the water rights is $99 million. The Colorado River Water Conservation District has secured commitments of over $14 million from 19 Western Slope partners, with Garfield County ($3 million), the City of

The Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB) has unanimously approved a name change for a gulch located 1.6 miles north of the Devil’s Causeway on the Flat Tops Wilderness. “Dead Mexican Gulch,” is now officially renamed “Lost Sheepherder Gulch,” a change made at the behest of the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and necessitated because the original name is “considered offensive,” according to a proposal by the CGNAB. Commissioner John Martin suggested the name “Lost Sheepherder Gulch” at a BOCC meeting last August. The gulch, which is located in Routt National Forest in far northeast Garfield County, is

Garfield County has approved $27,000 in second-quarter discretionary grants for local nonprofits, out of $33,000 requested in applications. The Board of County Commissioners had budgeted $120,000 for nonprofit discretionary grants for 2024, leaving $62,000 remaining for applications in the final two quarters of this year. Recipients of the nonprofit discretionary grants include: • Glenwood Springs High School Mock Trial, which received $5,000 toward attending a national competition this month in Wilmington, DE, and flights and hotel costs for the world championships in Chicago this fall. • Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra, which received $5,000 for teaching youth, ages 5 to 18,

Garfield County has continued its support of Mind Springs Health, approving a $49,500 grant toward operations and the cost of care for Garfield County residents. The funding, which had been budgeted for and aims to help maintain services provided at the West Springs Psychiatric Hospital in Grand Junction, comes from the county’s nonprofit discretionary fund. The county also approved a letter of support for West Springs Hospital, which is “a critical mental and behavioral health facility in our community,” the letter notes. The hospital has faced challenges in recent years, including financial constraints, staffing shortages, regulatory scrutiny, and increases in

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has appointed Myrna Fletchall to the Garfield County Public Library District Board of Trustees to represent the Rifle area. Following a thorough interview process, she was selected out of 10 volunteer candidates who live in Rifle. On March 18, 2024, the board approved resolution 2024-12, which states that “the Board of County Commissioners, acting as a committee, shall appoint a qualified person to fill the [trustee] vacancy. Said appointment must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of the commissioners.” The library board had recommended three finalists, including Fletchall, Hanna Arauza, and

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has presented its region 3 projects to the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), highlighting increased safety efforts and funding for repairing and replacing culverts in the area. The report noted that CDOT plowed more than 1,053,000 miles in region 3, section 2 (Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs), and more than 554,000 miles in region 3, section 6 (West Maintenance Area north of Rifle) in 2023. Between both sections of region 3 that include Garfield County, more than 38,500 tons of hot asphalt was laid, and another 16,100 square yards of asphalt was

A resolution declaring Garfield County, Colorado as a non-sanctuary county for undocumented immigrants was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at its regular meeting, which was held at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Annex in Rifle. Garfield County has been misrepresented as a sanctuary county on numerous websites for at least a decade, and the resolution seeks to clarify its status. Commissioner Mike Samson introduced the resolution (2024-05), saying that he has been inundated with calls, texts, and emails from citizens concerned about illegal immigration. “I had one contact who was against this resolution and dozens who are in

Garfield County has granted $250,000 from its general fund to the Town of New Castle toward a planned roundabout project at its Interstate 70 exchange. New Castle is in the process of upgrading the “entryway” to town, where I-70 meets with Castle Valley Boulevard and U.S. Highway 6, including the roundabout and adjacent landscaping. According to a proposal by the Town of New Castle, the project is part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) 10-year plan to address traffic safety concerns, future growth, and make updates to pedestrian, utility, and stormwater infrastructure. The town has entered into an intergovernmental

Garfield County has continued its support of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) by approving two grants for the nonprofit organization totaling $15,000. One grant ($10,000) covers the county’s annual support of MWCW’s efforts to protect and enhance local watersheds, while the other ($5,000) is being used to match a grant from the Colorado River Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to continue covering the costs of post-fire monitoring in the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar along the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. Following the 32,631-acre wildfire in 2020, rain gauges were placed in Glenwood Canyon that monitor soil moisture to help

Garfield County has approved seven discretionary grant requests totaling $31,000 for local nonprofits that help improve the community. The grant requests are capped at $5,000 apiece and are available to area nonprofits, which are eligible to receive one discretionary grant per year. Recipients of nonprofit grants include: Colorado Mountain College, which received $2,500 in funding to support a nontraditional scholarship for older students. KSUN community radio received $5,000 toward improvements to the station’s antenna, including additional wiring and wattage, stabilization, and a back-up transmitter. The Lower Valley Trail Association (LoVa) was granted $5,000 for planning, operations, grant-writing, and outreach to

Garfield County has agreed to help fund the operation and maintenance of an important water-monitoring station near South Canyon on the Colorado River. The Board of County Commissioners approved $11,405 toward a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior to help the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continue to monitor and sample water for the year at the site above South Canyon Creek. The USGS is providing $3,829 in matching funds to cover the operations and maintenance cost for 2024. Steve Anders, USGS supervisory hydrologic technician, told the board that in 2006, Garfield County, the Colorado River Water Conservation

Garfield County has reappointed local businessman Steve Beckley as its representative to the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRD) Board for a three-year term. Beckley continues his work for the river district, which represents 15 Western Slope counties to ensure the “protection, conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Colorado River water basin,” according to its mission statement. “We’re right in the middle of some really amazing stuff, so I want to continue to make sure it follows through,” Beckley told the Board of County Commissioners. The reappointment was approved unanimously, 2-0, with Commissioner John Martin excused

Garfield County has submitted a letter voicing its opposition to a proposed U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule that would allow listing natural asset companies (NACs) as an investment option on the New York Stock Exchange. Under the proposal, the NACs must be managed for “sustainable” purposes, removing natural resource production from some federal lands. Roughly 62 percent of Garfield County is public lands managed by the federal government, including 616,000 acres overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and 516,000 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service. “This proposed rule will directly harm our county and citizens,” the

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has outlined several options for improving safety on the Garfield County side of Cottonwood Pass, with most taking place along Catherine Store Road. Region 3 CDOT staff presented the Board of County Commissioners with updates on short-term improvement projects on Cottonwood Pass to improve the rural roadway connecting Eagle and Garfield counties. There are currently 14 areas slated for improvement on Cottonwood Pass, with eight projects located in Garfield County. These include defining right of way impacts, smoothing curves, widening sections of the road, and improving sight distance. The rural stretch of road connects

Garfield County Commissioners have limited oversight or authority administered by Colorado law in relation to political subdivisions, such as the Garfield County Public Library District. When a taxing entity district is formed within the county borders, commissioners have two basic roles – review of the entities’ annual budget and approval of appointment of board members. State law determines the process of how districts, such as the library district, are formed, how board members are selected, and their ability to levy taxes of those same citizens to support the operations of the district. These districts operate and make decisions autonomously and

Garfield County has contracted with Rosenfeld Design LLC out of Glenwood Springs for engineering and design work on a proposed outdoor classroom area next to the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle. The contract is not to exceed $100,000 for the open space classroom and multi-purpose event space, which will be run by the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Office. CSU is operating the classroom, but since its being built on county property, the county’s procurement process is being followed for contracts. It will be located on a 2.83-acre open space near Rifle Creek just off Railroad Avenue. “Because it is

Garfield County is planning formal engagement with prospective partners including local utilities and internet service providers (ISPs) in its broadband rollout and is applying for federal grant opportunities to help cover some of the cost of needed last mile infrastructure. The first phase of broadband implementation is nearly complete, and carrier neutral locations (CNL) are now being constructed in local municipalities as part of a larger effort to bring more resilient, reliable broadband to underserved local consumers. “Things have been moving pretty fast and furious in the broadband world for the past few months,” said Garfield County Finance Director Jamaica

Garfield County is considering strategies to help provide some relief for property owners who are facing increases in their property taxes following the most recent valuation. The Board of County Commissioners is considering altering the county’s mill levy, factoring in inflation to the budget process, and is encouraging all the taxing entities to re-evaluate their mill levies following a period of increased property values, which raises the tax burden for owners. Commissioner John Martin said that while one taxing entity temporarily reducing its mill levy won’t amount to a large decrease in property tax burden, if many entities collectively make

Garfield County has sent the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) a letter requesting roundtable meetings with local governments to discuss forecasted growth in the area and the impact it will have on an already congested road system. Residents, commuters, and visitors are at times experiencing heavy congestion on the Interstate 70 and Highway 82 corridors in Garfield County, necessitating local meetings to discuss both short- and long-term strategies to help mitigate the conundrum. The letter, which was addressed to CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew, cites increasing population projections and the need for a “safer, more efficient, and reliable multi-modal transportation

A report from a local ecologist shows the continuous presence of eagles within a buffer zone located along the Roaring Fork River at the Aspen Glen neighborhood between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. In October of 2021, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) rejected a request to remove the protective zone, which was in place to safeguard nesting eagles in the area. Ecologist Delia Malone, representing Roaring Fork Audubon, told the board that since it ruled to maintain the buffer zone, eagles, black bears, bobcats, herons, other bird species, and large ungulates, including elk and mule deer, have been

Garfield County has sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commission emphasizing its frustration over hurdles to implement broadband service as an economic boost for western Colorado. The letter requests that the governor’s office immediately allow Garfield County and its municipalities, as well as those on the Western Slope needing access, connections to CDOT’s fiber lines running along Interstate 70. The county has secured Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grants to match taxpayer dollars in realizing the first two phases of broadband rollout along I-70 but hasn’t yet received approval from CDOT

Garfield County has submitted a comment letter on the draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan supporting “impact-based management goals, among other recommendations. The county advised that an Endangered Species Act 10(j) rule must be in place prior to any reintroduction efforts and supports changes to compensation ratios for all livestock if found to be attacked by wolves. The 10(j) rule is designed to “relieve landowner concerns that reintroductions may result in restrictions on the use of private, tribal, or public land,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It allows the FWS to designate a population as “experimental”

A Garfield County grant has helped the Town of Parachute’s trail system plan gain traction and its staff is ready to put the rubber to the road. Since its kickoff in April, Parachute has created an online trail survey, produced maps of proposed trail alignments, and drafted trail assessments and design standards, as well as fleshed out its vision, goals for the proposed system. In 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved the $50,000 grant from the county’s Conservation Trust Fund toward the project. The town is compiling a prioritized project list to go with its existing trails inventory and

Garfield County has sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis requesting assistance in navigating the roadblocks to access state-owned fiber lines to bring broadband service more quickly to western Colorado. The letter notes that as many as 7,000 households in Garfield County have no access to broadband service and many other homes are served by slower, less reliable service. “Garfield County, along with our community partners, has made broadband a priority to ensure that the underserved and unserved communities have access to reliable and cost-effective broadband services,” the letter states. The county voiced concerns in the letter that agreements

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has presented updates to its upcoming mule deer herd management plan to the Board of County Commissioners. Mass recreation, persistent drought, chronic wasting disease, competition for habitat, and natural predation were noted as factors affecting local herd numbers. As part of the updated plan, population objectives are being widened with the same midpoint to help the agency meet its goals and provide more flexibility in management. Sex ratios are also being decreased in some areas to help combat chronic wasting disease, which affects a greater number of bucks than does. Julie Mao, CPW wildlife biologist

Garfield County is supporting the Colorado River Board of Cooperative Education Services’ (BOCES) efforts to provide needed job skills for students throughout the area. The Board of County Commissioners proposed a $100,000 grant to be decided in the 2023 budget process to BOCES to help bring its educational goals to fruition, noting that the funding is an investment in local “economic development.” Dr. Ken Haptonstall, BOCES executive director, told the Board of County Commissioners that BOCES serves local school districts by supporting special education, alternative licensure, career and technical education (CTE), professional development, and more. He added that the construction,

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has submitted comments and recommendations to the State of Colorado’s nascent Environmental Justice Action Task Force (EJATF), which was formed to address pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. The county supports the goals of the task force but expressed concerns about potential impacts the draft recommendations may have on the local economy. In July 2021, the Environmental Justice Act was signed into law, creating an advisory board, task force, and ombudsman at the state. The EJATF draft recommendations are slated to be finalized this fall and will likely drive future legislation and rulemaking in Colorado.

Garfield County has submitted a letter to the acting director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) voicing concerns that Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ declaration of Sweetwater Lake as the state’s 43rd state park did not follow proper protocol and necessary criteria required by both the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and CPW itself. The letter noted that the state did not communicate with Garfield County prior to making the declaration, despite Sweetwater Lake being located within its borders. The letter to CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan questions why the state ignored parks criteria and a 2019 executive order stating that

Garfield County has been named as a participating agency in the state of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plans for the northwest part of the state. According to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Garfield County and the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Colorado Ecological Services field office (FWS), the county will be offering input into proposed rule development and the environmental impact statement (EIS) process. The county is contributing information, comments, and technical expertise to the FWS as part of the EIS process and is providing strategic guidance on “public involvement strategies, and identifying

  Garfield County has awarded $16,500 in discretionary grants for the third quarter for qualifying nonprofits in the area. The board budgeted $120,000 for discretionary grants in 2022, and $10,000 remains for fourth-quarter requests. The Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce was awarded $5,000 toward marketing efforts and venue costs for the 43rd annual Chili Cook-off;  Roaring Fork Public Radio (Aspen Public Radio) was awarded $1,000 toward efforts to better serve the Spanish-speaking community; Colorado Mountain College Foundation was granted $2,000 toward hosting the Colorado League high school state mountain biking championship at the Spring Valley campus in October; the

Garfield County is backing an application by the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) to participate in a community engagement program with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy that assesses communities as locations for potential nuclear energy generation. AGNC is touting northwest Colorado as a desirable location for a nuclear energy facility, helping to offset impacts of decommissioning the coal-fired power plant in Craig that is poised to close by 2030. The DOE’s Constituency and Community Engagement Program provides funding for communities looking to engage with the agency to provide a home for nuclear energy development. According

Garfield County has sent a letter to the state’s political leaders supporting Veterans Benefits Administration (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or VA) clinics in rural Colorado after news of potential closures was announced. The VA clinics serve as many as 12,000 rural veterans, potentially affecting their ability to connect with vital services. In March, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System Director Michael Kilmer announced that clinics in Burlington, Lamar, La Junta, and Salida would possibly be closing. The commissioners’ letter asks that state representatives “stand with us to keep our facilities open and show your support for our veterans and our

Garfield County has signed a letter of support for an application by the Greater Roaring Fork Valley Housing Coalition seeking a $75,000 Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies grant. The coalition was formed to provide an avenue for regional cooperation in addressing the area’s affordable housing crisis. This coalition features representatives from Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Snowmass Village, Aspen, Pitkin and Eagle counties, and Colorado Mountain College. The planning grant program (IHOP) provides grants to local governments “to help them understand their housing needs and adopt policy and regulatory strategies to qualify for the Affordable Housing Development

Garfield County has approved a $200,000 grant from the Conservation Trust Fund to the Town of Silt for improvements to its parks, including the replacement of the playground at Eagle’s View Park and renovation of the gazebo at Veteran’s Park. The grant helps to replace old playground equipment and improve fall protection in its parks. Silt, which is contributing more than $230,000 toward the projects, is planning to add a recreational path at the east side of Flying Eagle Park that will circle the soccer fields; improve the baseball base patterns to accommodate different age groups at the Stoney Ridge

A ribbon-cutting event for the new Riverview Safe Routes to School “Hardwick Bridge Trail” is scheduled for June 17 at 10 a.m. at the Hardwick Bridge. This trail provides a dedicated paved trail connecting the Ironbridge and Westbank communities to the Rio Grande Trail and Riverview School. Construction for this project started in June 2021 and concluded in May 2022. “We are excited to have a safe route to the Riverview School,” said Chief Operating Officer Jeff Gatlin, who has managed this project for the district. “Students will now be able to safely walk or bike to school while separated

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has formally requested to be a cooperating agency with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in an environmental impact statement (EIS) covering gray wolf reintroduction in Colorado under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The county cited its direct experience working as a cooperating agency with both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service in a letter to the USFWS supporting its recommendation. “The county has the authority to adopt and enforce ordinances and resolutions regarding health, safety, and welfare issues and the authority to adopt a master plan

John Mallonee has been appointed to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Garfield County Public Library District Board of Trustees. Mallonee, an attorney with Balcomb & Green, told the Board of County Commissioners that he has been looking for volunteer opportunities in the community and felt the library board was a perfect fit. He added that he’s a proponent of access to information, intellectual freedom, civility, and community. “Some of my fondest memories growing up as a kid were being in the library looking for a book with the right balance of pictures and words,” he said. “My mother

Garfield County has awarded $46,000 in second quarter discretionary grants to local nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits had requested $59,000 in grants; a total of $120,000 was allocated for discretionary funds in 2022, and each request is capped at $5,000. All told, 14 nonprofits made grant requests before the Board of County Commissioners. Nonprofits receiving grant funding include the Rifle Rendezvous ($5,000 toward the event and efforts to engage youth in western heritage); West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway steering committee ($500 toward maintenance of informative exhibits and production of brochures); New Ute Theater Society ($4,000 for offering programming in

Human Services Commission grants approved for 24 local nonprofits GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has awarded more than $73,000 in Human Service Commission (HSC) mini-grants to 24 qualifying local nonprofits. The grants, which are capped at $5,000 and come out of the county’s general fund, are typically utilized for day-to-day operations.   Applicants met in early March and presented their programs before the HSC Grants subcommittee, which included Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, County Manager Kevin Batchelder, Public Health Specialist Mason Hohstadt, Samantha Frease of the Workforce Center, and Pat Horwitz (community member at-large).   Recipients include A Little

Garfield County will act as a cooperating agency with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on an upcoming Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that covers both its Colorado River Valley Field Office and Grand Junction Field Office resource management plans. The BLM requested assistance from the county to better review alternatives to oil and gas development, and to assess the severity and impacts of greenhouse gas pollution in the area, according to a letter from Upper Colorado River District Manager Greg Larson. “This has to do with oil and gas leases and the fact that the courts required that the

Garfield County has granted $220,000 to Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E) toward its operations in 2022. The nonprofit provides housing and services for stray and surrendered animals and pets in Garfield County. In 2021, C.A.R.E. took 775 animals into its shelter, including 221 strays and 271 pets that owners had to give up. It also adopted or placed 629 animals and provided 344 spay/neuter surgeries, serving 1,065 animals overall through all services. C.A.R.E also provided the community with 6,360 pounds of free pet food; vaccinated of microchipped 124 pets at clinics; mailed out 508 free pet identification tags; boarded animals during

Garfield County has provided formal comments to the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) on efforts to develop the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas. The DOI has requested information from state and local governments as part of its effort to produce the atlas, which is designed to support President Biden’s 30 X 30 initiative. If realized, the initiative would permanently preserve 30 percent of public and private land and water by 2030, via executive order, effectively removing 680 million acres from multiple use management practices. The Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) letter focuses on three key points of concern with the

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has approved $26,500 in first quarter discretionary grants for local nonprofits. The board awarded discretionary grant requests to seven local nonprofits from throughout the area. Grant recipients include KSUN Community Radio ($5,000) to help cover costs of programming and equipment; West Elk Trails ($3,000) to support its winter program expenses; New Castle Trails ($1,000) for a sponsorship of its annual fundraising event, Rides and Reggae; Roaring Fork Leadership ($5,000) to help cover program expenses and scholarships; GlenX Career Expo ($2,500) toward the cost of its 2022 spring event; YouthEntity ($5,000) for career development,

The Garfield County commissioners have signed a joint proclamation honoring the Coal Ridge High School Titans Co-ed Cheer Team for winning its fourth consecutive 2A/3A championship, a feat the squad has earned five of the past six years. The county joined the Town of New Castle in honoring the team’s hard work and amazing accomplishments. The joint proclamation was signed by New Castle Mayor Art Riddile, New Castle Town Clerk Melody Harrison, Garfield County Clerk Jean Alberico, and Garfield County Commissioner John Martin. “We as the county commissioners are honored to congratulate these young men and women on their accomplishment,”

Garfield County has approved a grant for $67,500 to YouthZone to help keep its Juvenile Diversion Program operating in 2022. The overall ask was for $75,000 and the county had already budgeted $67,500 for YouthZone last fall. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) requested that the nonprofit return later in the year if the additional $7,500 was still needed at that time. Jami Hayes, YouthZone executive director, told the board that the nonprofit provides substance abuse interventions, tools, and resources, including intensive counseling and therapy, to reduce risks and promote strong mental health for the community’s youth. “We increase the

Garfield County has announced the recipients of its fourth-quarter Board of County Commissioners discretionary grants. Eight local nonprofits received a combined $30,100 in grants out of $40,800 that was remaining for the year. The Glenwood Springs Downtown Market was awarded $600 toward the cost of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) funds ($280) used this summer to reimburse vendors that accepted the cards plus Double-Up Bucks. The market also received a separate grant for $3,500 toward winter offerings, including this year’s “A Grand Holiday,” which features live reindeer, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, live music and more on Dec. 10. Symphony in the

Garfield County has approved a $50,000 grant from its Conservation Trust Fund toward a new trails plan in the Town of Parachute. The funding will help Parachute realize its goal of a robust trails system in town that connects to trails in Battlement Mesa and the proposed Lower Valley Trail (LoVa), which would run from Parachute to Glenwood Springs, once complete. The funding also supports the town’s efforts to connect its trails to the proposed Parachute Island Park, which will be on land located near the boat ramp on the Colorado River. The park will feature fishing docks, picnic areas,

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has signed a proclamation honoring Constitution Week from Sept. 17 – 23. The proclamation urges all citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American and all the associated rights and responsibilities. Representing the Glenwood Springs chapter of the nonprofit Daughters of the American Revolution, Linda Morcom told the board that the proclamation commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution. “This is to bring back the awareness of the Constitution and what it means to our country,” she said. “I think it’s important for local governments, such as

Garfield County has requested that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) post additional signage close to the intersection of Highway 82 and County Road 154, alerting motorists that the nearby traffic lights are changing to red. The yellow signs read “Be prepared to stop when flashing” and a yellow light at the top flashes when the upcoming traffic lights are about to change to red, notifying drivers that they must be ready to stop. “Additionally, it would seem appropriate to step down the posted speed from 65 MPH as well in the same area to better prepare approaching motorists that

A meeting of the Latino Community Committee is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the New Castle Recreation Center, 423 W. Main St., New Castle. A roughly 30-minute panel discussion is taking place with representatives from each of the three Garfield County school districts, the Latino Community Committee, and Joyce Rankin, 3rd Congressional District representative to the Colorado State Board of Education. The panel discussion covers current curriculums, COVID requirements, and other issues, followed by a question-and-answer session. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky is the county’s liaison on the advisory committee, which meets monthly in local municipalities

Commissioners from Garfield and Eagle countries met with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) officials on Tuesday to discuss the Interstate 70 closure in Glenwood Canyon, and potential improvements to Cottonwood Pass Road, a mostly undeveloped route that connects the town of Gypsum to Highway 82 between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Interstate 70 is closed through Glenwood Canyon due to a series of large mudslides and debris flows that damaged the roadway on July 29, rendering it impassable. The slides originated near a burn scar from last summer’s Grizzly Creek Fire, which encompassed 32,631 acres. CDOT Executive Director Shoshana M. Lew

Garfield County is working with local leaders to improve communications with the Latino community throughout the region. The first meeting of the Latino Community Committee takes place at 6:30 p.m. on July 21, at the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) meeting room in Glenwood Springs for a kick-off session, which is open to the public. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky is the county’s liaison on the committee. The county and committee are meeting monthly in local municipalities to garner as much input as possible from the community. The Latino Community Committee reports to the BOCC every four months. “This committee

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has signed a resolution supporting the creation of two wholly rural congressional districts in the state during the upcoming redistricting process, which begins July 9. Through the 2020 U.S. Census, Colorado gained a congressional seat due to the increase in its population and the state redraws its congressional districts every 10 years. The boundaries of the new congressional redistricting map are to be determined by an independent 12-member commission, which was established in 2018 when voters supported Amendment Y. Amendment Z also passed that year, creating another 12-member commission to redraw state legislative

Garfield County is engaging in a partnership to help expand broadband access in the region through connections with existing fiber lines along Interstate 70. The county, which is partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the nonprofit Region 10, has submitted a request to the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to reallocate previously awarded grant funding away from proposed wireless infrastructure and toward an expanded middle-mile network system, including “meet-me” centers. The first phase of work aims to expand the meet-me centers, also known as colocation data facilities, along the interstate corridor to help connect broadband providers to

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is supporting three pieces of legislation introduced by Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert that aim at repealing executive orders and proposals issued by President Joe Biden. The 30 X 30 Termination Act, America’s Infrastructure Modernization (AIM) Act and the Protecting American Energy Jobs Act (H.R. 859) have all been introduced by the congresswoman, who represents Colorado’s Third District, including Garfield County. The 30 X 30 Termination Act seeks to block a Biden Administration’s executive order (30 X 30) that would permanently preserve 30 percent of public land and water by 2030, effectively removing 680

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has approved a $150,000 grant supporting Garfield Clean Energy’s (GCE) efforts to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy in the region. The grant continues the county’s membership in the GCE collaborative, along with the municipalities of Garfield County. GCE strives for “measurable progress on energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean energy transportation while creating economic benefits.” The grant had been budgeted for in the 2021 Garfield County adopted budget and comes from the general grants BOCC fund. Erica Sparhawk, administrator for Garfield Clean Energy, told the board that GCE has seen early

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has approved two grants totaling $420,000 to the Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) and Rifle Animal Shelter. The nonprofits help keep animal populations in control and healthy in Garfield County through spaying and neutering services and vaccination clinics. Glenwood Springs-based C.A.R.E. received $250,000 and the Rifle Animal Shelter $170,000 for 2021 out of the county’s Nonprofit Discretionary Grant Fund. Both grants were approved unanimously, 3-0. CARE accepted 258 strays in 2020, including 138 from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. It performed 443 spay and neuter surgeries last year, with 137 $50 vouchers sent to

Garfield County is hosting a virtual community forum on the affordability of healthcare insurance in the region on Monday, April 5, at 6 p.m. The Board of County Commissioners, State Senator Bob Rankin and Peak Health Alliance CEO Claire Brockbank are taking part in the event, which includes a community question and answer session. The public is encouraged to take part in this important community discussion, which covers healthcare insurance options in Colorado and state legislation that may affect rates. The forum will be streamed via Zoom and the password and link to the meeting are available at garfield-county.com/board-commissioners/meetings. “Since

More than 25,000 vaccines have been administered in Garfield County The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has submitted a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis asking for the immediate adoption of a plan to fully and safely reopen the county. The letter cites the State of Colorado has not issued any guidance or criteria to indicate what reopening looks like, or requirements for any citizen or business. In Garfield County there is a drastically reduced number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates, as well as an increase in vaccinations. The board has asked for restrictions on the local economy

Commissioners back “All Meats March” in response to governor’s meatless promotion Garfield County Commissioners proclaimed March of this year as “All Meats March” and March 20 as “Meat-In Day” in a showing of support for local ranchers and meat producers. As a right-to-farm county, the resolution promotes the agricultural heritage of the county and Western Slope. The resolution is in response to Governor Jared Polis promoting a “meat-out” on March 20 in Colorado to encourage meatless diets. The meat-out is supported by the Maryland-based Farm Animal Rights Movement or “FARM,” which advocates for animal rights and veganism. “This resolution recognizes

Parachute Area Transit System ridership increasing month to month Garfield County has approved a $300,000 grant to support the Parachute Area Transit System (PATS) bus service, which connects commuters from Battlement Mesa and Parachute to Rifle. The county’s funding had been budgeted for 2021 out of the general fund for transportation services, and the Town of Parachute has budgeted more than $86,000 to support the program. The route operates Monday through Friday, eight times a day, making on 14 stops on a standard loop, providing residents of the Parachute area with a needed transportation option. The service operates from 5:28

Colorado Wilderness Act would designate more than 71,000 acres in the county Garfield County has submitted a letter in opposition to the Colorado Wilderness Act, one part of a much larger eight-bill package known as the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act. The Board of County Commissioners noted in its letter that the piecemeal wilderness approach does not represent the citizens of Garfield County and would impose restrictions on public lands that limit access and restrict or eliminate mining, oil and gas development, grazing hunting and recreation. The county’s letter is addressed to Representative Diana DeGette, who sponsored the

Garfield County Commissioners’ directives help projects, policy come to fruition Garfield County accomplished much of its 2020 goals through strategic planning and sound policy directives from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Setting clear directives early in the year helps the planning process become a reality, fostering in improvements that benefit all the residents of Garfield County. The board sets policy directives annually; the commissioners weigh the county’s more important needs and direct staff to take on numerous beneficial projects throughout the area. In 2020, these efforts included infrastructure improvements; economic development; community outreach; health and human services endeavors; ensuring

Garfield County is opposing an executive order by President Joe Biden that would permanently preserve 30 percent of public land and water by 2030, effectively removing 680 million acres from multiple use management practices. A county resolution opposing Section 216 of Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Aboard) notes that 62 percent of Garfield County is public land, which is already conserved through federal ownership. If implemented, Section 216 or “30 x 30” will conflict with the county’s “Federal Lands Natural Resource Coordination Plan and Polices,” which was adopted in September 2020. Under that document, the

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has approved more than $30,000 in first quarter discretionary grants to local nonprofits. These grants help these organizations thrive, providing numerous opportunities for the citizens of Garfield County. The Rifle Elks Lodge was granted $4,000 toward its replacement of its lone broken furnace/air conditioner unit; KSUN Community Radio received $5,000 for transmission and other electric equipment; Colorado Mountain College was granted $2,000 for a non-traditional college student scholarship fund; Youthentity received $5,000 for financial literacy and career development programs for local students; the Rifle Masonic Lodge received $4,000 toward a matching grant for

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Steve Beckley as its representative on the Colorado River District Board for a term to last three years. The board seat opened late last year after former river board President Dave Merritt resigned from the role after decades of work to keep water on the Western Slope. Beckley, a local business owner, told the commissioners he was interested in representing Garfield County on the river board because he wants to help protect water rights in the region. “I think that there is such a need in the future for western Colorado

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has unveiled its policy directives and action plan for the year, including a focus on health and human services, economic development, federal, state and local issues and more. Drafted from the commissioners’ goals and priorities, the policy directives help guide decision-making at the county level, while operating within the county’s adopted budget. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority in 2021, with increased efforts for disease prevention, vaccination, improving quality of life, and economic recovery. The county is also continuing its strong support of our senior community through county and

Garfield County is backing the Aspen Valley Land Trust’s (AVLT) purchase of a ranch property near Carbondale for use as an educational resource for local schools that also provides public access to a remote stretch of the Roaring Fork River. The Board of County Commissioners approved $200,000 from the Conservation Trust Fund to be granted to the town of Carbondale toward the project. AVLT is raising $6.5 million to purchase and protect the 141-acre Coffman Ranch, and plans to keep the ranch activities in operation. The property is located south of Highway 82 just east of Carbondale, between the Rio

Garfield County has awarded $16,000 to local nonprofits from the Board of County Commissioners’ Discretionary Grant Fund for the fourth quarter of 2020. Among the grant recipients are Mods4Quads, Inc. ($1,000) to help launch a new website focused on assisting the neurologically challenged population to reduce isolation and improve health in Garfield County; New Castle Lions Club ($2,000) for new drop boxes for its Lions Optical Assistance Program (LOAP), which collects eyeglasses that are donated by the community and redistributes them to people with the same prescription who need glasses; Yampah Mountain High School ($3,000) for its outdoor education program,

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) honored Colorado River District President Dave Merritt for his decades of work to keep water on the Western Slope. Merritt, who has served as the Garfield County representative on the river district’s board of directors since 2009, is leaving the post after his term expires in January.

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has approved a $50,000 grant to the local Salvation Army to help with client assistance and operational costs in light of increased need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit assists clients in covering the costs of housing and basic utilities, such as water, heat and electricity. The grant includes $25,000 for emergency COVID assistance from federal CARES Act funds the county has received, and the other $25,000 toward operations is coming out of the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) discretionary grant fund. Karen Lee, Roaring Fork Valley coordinator for the Salvation Army, told

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has signed a letter of support to help the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) attain a $220,000 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Connecting Communities in the Outdoors grant for local projects. If granted, the funding will be used for maintenance and operations at the newly renovated Red Hill area in Carbondale and for new trails and repairs at the Silt River Preserve. The Western Slope has seen increased visitation since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S. earlier this year, and nearby natural areas are becoming increasingly popular, amid budget cuts that affect upkeep and potential

The Garfield County Commissioners are supporting a ballot initiative going to voters by the Colorado River Water Conservation District that, if approved on November 3, would increase the mill levy up to 0.5 mills.

Garfield County has approved the reauthorization of a matching grant for $175,000 toward a new Interstate 70 interchange at Silt to help cover design and engineering costs. The town of Silt noted in its request that the upgrades, including a new pedestrian bridge and two new roundabouts, are critical to Silt’s economic future and pedestrian safety.

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has approved a supplemental budget request of $500,000 to cover expenses for legal matters related to the limestone quarry operated in Garfield County by Rocky Mountain Aggregates, Inc. and RMR Industrials, Inc. (collectively, “RMI”).

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) requests residents and visitors take simple actions and personal responsibility to help limit the spread of COVID-19, which tests have confirmed in greater numbers around the county in recent weeks. The county is not able to enter the less restrictive “Protect Our Neighbors” phase of reopening, due to increasing cases of COVID locally. “With the governor’s latest health orders, all businesses could open with social distancing plans,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. “We are advocating for local control to open our businesses 100 percent, but we won’t be able to meet the criteria

Qualifying local nonprofits and organizations have received a combined $25,000 in second-quarter discretionary grants from Garfield County. The Board of County Commissioners approved six requests from local nonprofits May 11, as well as a joint request from the Garfield County Public Library District and Colorado Mountain College (CMC) to improve access to internet services.

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners voted Friday to fund Grand River Meals on Wheels (GRMoW) in the amount of $40,000 to sustain home delivery meal services to homebound clients in Western Garfield County. The vote came as the need for social distancing measures around COVID-19 has driven participation in the program up 20% since early March. “Most of our clients are in their eighties and nineties. Every request seems like a heart-wrencher,” said Kaaren Peck, GRMoW Director. “In addition to the recent growth in demand for food delivery, our programs largest annual fundraiser, Empty Bowls, was postponed due

Garfield County has approved a $100,000 grant to LIFT-UP to help with emergency food assistance in wake of economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 virus in Colorado. LIFT-UP provides free food for people in need, without need for documentation or proof of income. The grant, which comes from the county’s Emergency Reserve 125 fund, will help bolster food resources, further assisting LIFT-UP’s ability to provide for the citizens. Food deliveries are now operated out of the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle, with the North and South halls utilized as a staging area. In 2019, LIFT-UP served an average of 625

The Board of County Commissioners regular meeting on Dec. 2 has been canceled. The Dec. 16 BOCC meeting takes place at Silt Town Hall, 231 N. 7th Street, beginning at 9 a.m. BOCC meetings-|

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO –The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released an approved record of decision (ROD) on amendments to its northwest Colorado greater sage-grouse resource management plan that reflect contributions from Garfield County. The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners, which has served primarily in a cooperating agency role, worked with the BLM in its multiple-use mission to evaluate the policies contained in the development of its 2015 resource management plan for the protection of the sage-grouse in northwest Colorado. The goal of the plan is to provide protections that ensure the species need not be listed under the

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County Commissioner John Martin was surprised to learn today he will receive the 2018 Dale Sowards Outstanding Public Lands Official Award, bestowed by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Western Interstate Region (WIR). The award will be presented during the closing general session at the 2018 WIR Conference in Sun Valley, Blaine County, Idaho, May 25. The award is named after late Conejos County, Colorado Commissioner Dale Sowards, who helped create WIR, setting standards for leadership in local government. John (Chip) Taylor, Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) executive director, handed out letter confirming the

Garfield County Commissioner John Martin is the 2017 recipient of the Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) Distinguished Service Award. CCI presented the six-term county commissioner with this prestigious service award on Nov. 28 at its winter conference in Colorado Springs Larimer County Commissioner and CCI board President Lew Gaiter III bestowed the award, calling Martin a rugged individualist and leader who believes an understanding of history and the ability to listen are key to making the correct decisions for constituents. “This is an award that goes to someone who has given consistently of their time and talents over a long period

Garfield and Mesa counties have jointly commenced a Broadband Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan study with the goal of improving the speed and reliability of internet service for businesses and residents throughout the region. Garfield and Mesa Counties received a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant to conduct this needs assessment in both counties, and to develop a plan for enhancing broadband services. The counties have retained NEO Connect to prepare the broadband plan and determine strategies regarding the local governments’ role in this process. The Garfield County Board of Commissioners held a kickoff Work Session May 3 to discuss

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Honored by his colleagues statewide, John Martin received the Commissioner of the Year award from Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) at the annual winter conference in Colorado Springs, December 4 and 5. CCI is a non-profit membership association which offers assistance to county commissioners, mayors, and council members and encourages counties to work together on common issues. The Commissioner of the Year award is determined through votes from CCI members, and the CCI board makes the final determination. John received the award not only before peers statewide, but Garfield County Commissioners Tom Jankovsky and Mike Samson, County

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County will hold a simple tree lighting outside its 1102 Grand Avenue building in Glenwood Springs, as a complement to a more elaborate ceremony at the Hotel Colorado. Clear lights adorning a historic tree at the corner of 11th and Grand will honor a Glenwood Springs citizen the tree was originally dedicated to when its lights are illuminated Friday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. County Commissioners will hold a brief commemorative ceremony, and residents are welcome to come by. The tree is a blue spruce towering nearly 100 feet over Glenwood Springs. It is dedicated

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A groundbreaking land swap with decades of history behind it will net two of the largest employers in Glenwood Springs the property needed by each for future public use. Monday, August 5, 2013, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved a contract to transfer the county-owned land under Valley View Hospital to the Valley View Hospital Association, and, in exchange, the hospital association will convey the building and land it owns at 110 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, and present $1.1 million in funds to the county. The county will immediately use those proceeds to purchase

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – John Martin, Chairman of the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners, was installed as President of the Western Interstate Region (WIR) of the National Association of Counties (NACO) in May of 2013 at WIR’s 2013 conference, hosted by Coconino County in Flagstaff, Arizona. Martin finds it an honor to represent the 15-state region and is advancing an agenda consistent with WIR’s mission and his own deeply held beliefs concerning local government and public lands. “First, I want to listen,” said Martin, chair of the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners. “Then, I have direct goals to

In an all-school assembly on Friday, May, 17, Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson and Parachute Mayor Judy Beasley awarded $1,100 in cash prizes to Bea Underwood Elementary School. The school, part of Garfield District 16 in Battlement Mesa and Parachute, won first prize in the 4th annual Bike and Walk to School Challenge hosted by Garfield Clean Energy. The school won $1,000, and the top three classrooms won $50, $25 and $25. Alpine Bank donated funding for these prizes, along with cash prizes for three other winning schools and 33 other winning classrooms. Ryan Gilbert, Alpine Bank manager for Battlement

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) formalized plans March 12 to save $2.4 million in future interest payments. The BOCC approved a resolution to exercise a purchase option under a capital lease agreement to pay off Certificates of Participation (COPS) issued in 2001, used to finance the construction of the Garfield County Administration Building in Glenwood Springs and the Garfield County Road and Bridge District 2-3 Facility and administration office building on Hunter Mesa. The total principal and interest remaining on the COPS is approximately $9.2 million, and is due to be paid off by December 2024. The

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is announcing the release of a new venue for presenting its meetings to the public through the Garfield County website. The new system provides streaming video of county commission meetings, as well as audio recordings, interactive agendas and will house meeting minutes approved by the board. After the launch date, Monday, December 5, 2011, website visitors can now watch or listen to Garfield County meetings live and on-demand through a county website meeting page. Streaming meetings allows residents and business owners to have direct access to county government from the convenience of any

The Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) are seeking two crew leaders and 12 crew members to work on weed management, habitat restoration and trail projects in Garfield County. The Garfield County Commissioners support this opportunity for seasonal summer employment for youth and young adults; it is one of many of their economic development initiatives. Requirements vary for the crew member and crew leader positions listed below, but in general, applicants must be: A U.S. citizen, and between the ages of 18 and 22 Available for the entire summer In good physical condition Motivated to

Members of Girl Scout Troop 275 presented evidence to the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners that the use of both plastic and paper bags is detrimental to the environment. Their insightful presentation resulted in the adoption of resolution number 2010-41 by the Commissioners encouraging the use of reusable cloth bags in lieu of plastic bags in Garfield County.