14322CA44271F2F2872589F0006EA671 Hearing Summary

Lesley Dahlkemper, Jefferson County Commissioner, introduced Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) and her fellow county commissioners. She gave an overview of the issues facing Jefferson County as a result of wildfires, the grants that have been provided to address wildfires and how they are being used, and the steps counties are taking to protect their communities from wildfires.

Commissioner Dahlkemper distributed a handout (Attachment A).

Marsha Porter-Nelson, La Plata County Commissioner, discussed the increasing risk of wildfires due to climate change and rising temperatures. She explained how the amount of wildfires per year in La Plata has increased in recent years and how the grants provided by the state government have been helpful in combatting them.

Commissioner Porter-Nelson responded to questions from the committee on prescribed burns.

Commissioner Felt responded to questions from the committee on the revenue Chaffee County has received from their sales tax and what the state's priorities should be in assisting counties with their fire mitigation efforts.

Jake Niece, Ouray County Commissioner, discussed how important wildfire mitigation is to counties that are almost entirely wild land, like Ouray. He discussed the projects Ouray has undertaken to reduce the risks of wildfires.

Commissioner Niece responded to questions from the committee on how difficult it is to get home insurance in wildfire-prone areas.

Commissioner Williams responded to questions from the committee on the merits of a formalized agreement with military bases that would entail them assisting local governments during wildfires.