Colorado is getting $20.2M for watershed work in response to 2018’s wildfires
The Capitol seen from Federal Boulevard. Smoke from western wildfires envelops Denver, Sept. 4, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Colorado is getting $20.2 million to help prevent flooding and mudslides following this year’s wildfires.
Sen. Michael Bennet and Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the Emergency Watershed Protection grants for work to protect communities near the 416, Spring Creek and Lake Christine fires on Tuesday. The money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will go to four counties — La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla and Eagle.
In a joint announcement, Bennet and Hickenlooper said the funding was awarded after months of coordination between local officials and state and federal agencies.
Costilla County Commissioner Ben Doon says the timing of the funding is critical and will help implement watershed restoration projects before winter.
Denver’s police watchdog just got sharper teeth
The Office of the Independent Monitor got a little stronger and the mayor's office got a little weaker.
Adams County Child and Family Services Center to be re-purposed as housing, including for former foster children
The 116-unit housing development will have 12 units for young people who were once in the foster system.
Colorado Catholic dioceses submit to voluntary abuse review
A former federal prosecutor will review the sexual abuse files and the church has agreed to pay an unlimited amount of reparations to victims.
Denver will ease up on nonviolent crime, but only some offenders will benefit from the softer touch
The idea is to divert people charged with low-level crimes like drug possession and prostitution to stabilizing services.
The Chariot shuttle is back from the dead at the University of Denver
(It never actually stopped living.)
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser celebrates Presidents Day by suing President Trump
More than 100 demonstrators rallied outside the State Capitol in opposition to President Trump’s emergency declaration to fund a border wall.
Globeville residents really, really don’t want anything to do with the tiny home village that the city wants to move there
Councilman Albus Brooks, whose district includes the neighborhood, says he's still seeking clarity.
Business and political figures have started to raise voices — and funds — to oppose Right to Survive
The initiative's backers say it's a matter of protecting the rights of people experiencing homelessness
Stewards of Denver’s affordable housing program slammed if they don’t, slammed if they do
A major builder complains OED has made it too difficult for buyers to get homes.
The Blucifer video game is ready for those of you who want to be Denver’s airport demon horse
Blucifer is "woke" and also the real Gossip Girl.
The Colorado Symphony wants a new concert hall
“The bottom line is: Whatever plan Next Stage comes up with will involve taking Boettcher Concert Hall down.”
Here’s how Denver’s teacher pay debate went from fiery to collaborative and even a little silly
With the help of a federal mediator and a lot more attention and pressure, the teachers union found new superintendent Susana Cordova easier to work with.
Denver city workers and contractors are now on track to get a $15 minimum wage
The Hancock administration, City Councilwoman Robin Kniech and union organizers have proposed a new normal.
With Democrats in control of the legislature, Colorado lawmakers revive red-flag bill
Legislators believe passing the “extreme risk protective order” will help reduce gun violence.
Strike over: Denver school district, teachers union sign tentative pact raising teacher pay
The tentative deal gives teachers significant raises and a more traditional pay system, while keeping incentives for teachers at high-poverty schools that the district believes are essential.
