DEADLY GLENWOOD CANYON ACCIDENT CLOSES I-70 IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
Glenwood Springs—One person was killed and four people were seriously injured early this morning when a car collided with a semi in Glenwood Canyon just east of the Hanging Lake Tunnel. According to early reports from the Colorado State Patrol, the accident happened between 4:30 and 5 o’clock this morning. I-70 has been closed in both directons since then at Dotsero on the westbound side and for eastbound traffic at Glenwood Springs exit 116. The collision took place in the two-lane construction zone at mile marker 126. The truck’s fuel tank ruptured and both vehicles caught fire. Due to the serious nature of the accident, officials say it’s going to take some time to repair the guardrail, inspect the bridge for any damage, clean up the fuel spill and complete the investigation. Around 6 o’clock this morning, emergency officials on the scene were guessing a closure of up to 8 hours but it could be longer. For travelers who cannot wait, the alternate route is State Highway 13, to US-40 to 131. For truckers in Glenwood Springs considering the alternate route, take I-70 west to Rifle since there is no place for big rigs to turnaround on Highway 6.
WEST SLOPE MULE DEER POPULATION DECLINING
Meeker—Wildlife biologists that have been studying and researching the drop in the mule deer population in western Colorado will report their findings during a public meeting in Meeker next week. The meeting will be held Wednesday night, May 29th at 7 at the Mountain Valley Bank on Main Street in Meeker.
GARCO COMMISSION CHAIRMAN NAMED PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
Glenwood Springs—Garfield County Commssion Chairman John Martin will be installed as the new president of the National Association of Counties of the Western Interstate Region this Friday in Flagstaff, Arizona. Martin is attending the association’s conference in Arizona this week.
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AT ODDS WITH FRONT RANGE COMMUNITIES
LONGMONT (AP) – Some northern Colorado communities are looking to strictly regulate oil and gas drilling rather than stopping it all together. Boulder County commissioners on Tuesday voted against extending a moratorium on new wells set to expire June 10. They instead agreed to try to phase in the expected development.
Commissioner Deb Gardner hopes the county will be able to hire its own inspectors and technical experts to monitor wells – possibly around the clock – before new drilling occurs. Meanwhile, a divided Fort Collins city council lifted its drilling moratorium late Tuesday, allowing Prospect Energy to drill under regulations stricter than the state’s.
