Headlines — March 21, 2022

Headlines March 21, 2022

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 Court Ruling Clears Way For Marshall Fire Cleanup

A judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order that had delayed DRC Emergency Services from moving forward with debris removal in areas affected by the Marshall Fire. Boulder County can now sign the $52 million contract with DRC as soon as tomorrow. The debris removal process could begin as early as March 28. 

The non-profit group, Demanding Integrity in Government Spending (DIGS) sued in February claiming that Boulder County had violated open meeting laws and was not transparent during the process of selecting a contractor for the Private Property Debris Removal Program. Last Tuesday, DIGS said that they are no longer asking the county to restart the bidding process. 

Aid Applications Open For Residents Affected By Marshall Fire

People affected by the Marshall Fire, including those with damaged homes or businesses, may apply for financial assistance through Boulder County until March 31. 

Boulder County will notify eligible applicants via text message or phone call within seven days of submitting their application. The county will distribute the aid through April 22. Information regarding further financial assistance will be announced in the coming weeks. 

To apply for assistance and find additional information on eligibility requirements, go to boco.org/MarshallFireAssistance.

Boulder Extends Outdoor Dining Until August 2022 

The City of Boulder has extended the Boulder Business Recovery Program or BBRP until August 31. 

Boulder created BBRP to support Boulder Businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and allows for businesses to extend outdoor seating areas. Businesses that are currently using the expansion do not need to reapply. New businesses that want to use extra space for outdoor seating can apply through April 30.

The city is currently working with the Downtown Boulder Partnership and City Council on a post-pandemic outdoor dining pilot program. The Interim Director of the Community Vitality Department, Cris Jones, said, “the economic effects of COVID-19 continue to challenge our community and this extension will allow businesses to continue their current expansions as the city works with its partners and City Council to determine how the program might evolve and continue when the emergency orders end.”

Colorado Bill To Shield Crime-Reporting Sex Workers

Colorado lawmakers introduced House Bill 1288 last week, which would provide immunity to sex workers from prostitution charges when they are reporting serious crimes. 

The bill would allow sex workers to report about two dozen different crimes, including murder, assault, stalking, and human trafficking without risking arrest. Colorado Republican Representative and bill sponsor, Matt Soper said, “the ability to encourage someone who has actually seen these crimes or been a victim of these crimes to go ahead and come forward … it really is trying to encourage those witnesses.”

The bill passed unanimously through the House Judiciary Committee, which includes both far-right and left-leaning members. They expect the bill to pass through the Capitol with little resistance. 

Backcountry Skier Killed In Avalanche

A backcountry skier died in an avalanche near Steamboat Springs, Saturday. 

Dispatchers received reports that two backcountry skiers had set off an avalanche in the Fish Creek drainage area just east of Steamboat Springs at 12:20 PM.

The avalanche caught one skier and came to rest near a tree. When his skiing companion found him, he was no longer breathing. The companion performed CPR for close to an hour while waiting for search and rescue, but could not save the avalanche victim. 

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