GARFIELD COUNTY CHOSEN FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS PROJECT
Glenwood Springs—Garfield County was chosen to take part in an important, year-long project to put alternative fuels for vehicles on the fast track. CLEER, short for Clean Energy Economy for the Region, will be leading the pilot project known as “Refuel Colorado Fleets.” Eight other counties were selected after an extensive survey of 21 communities. “Energy coaches” will work with each community to identify needs and goals as well as which alternative fuel makes the most sense for them such as compressed natural gas, electric or propane. The ultimate goals with the project are to clean up the air and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. The other counties involved in the project include Jefferson, Boulder, Larimer, Adams, Mesa, Montezuma and La Plata.
WOLCOTT COMMUNITY PLANNED
EAGLE — Eagle County commissioners have given preliminary approval to a new unincorporated mountain community in Wolcott. The action clears the way for residential, commercial and municipal development about 10 miles east of Eagle that will eventually include nearly 600 homes and 144,000 square feet of commercial space. The project is expected to take up to 10 years and create 2,400 jobs in construction and other areas.
DENVER (AP) — Colorado tourism is on the rise, but the state is still trying to catch up with other states. State tourism officials estimate a record 60 million visitors last year spent about $17 billion in Colorado. The 2 percent increase last year compares with a 9 percent increase nationally. The Denver Post says officials believe weak spring snow or wildfires slowed last year’s increase.
COLORADO SPRINGS (AP) — Colorado Springs is poised to ban recreational marijuana stores. The City Council plans to vote today on whether to allow retail marijuana stores. Four of nine council members have said they’ll vote against retail pot, and even if the sales are approved, Mayor Steve Bach says he’ll veto recreational pot shops.
GRAND JUNCTION (AP) — A Grand Junction city councilman accused of domestic violence has resigned. The city says Rick Brainard submitted his resignation last week. Brainard was arrested shortly after he took office in April for allegedly slapping his girlfriend and pushing her into a dresser several times. The Daily Sentinel reports a group was preparing to mount a recall campaign.
DENVER (AP) — The state of Colorado has started taking public comment on its draft drought mitigation and response plan that was revised as part of the state’s natural hazard mitigation plan. It includes updates on the state’s progress toward efforts to help mitigate the impacts of drought, such as increasing public awareness and encouraging conservation. Nearly all of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought.
