News

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Federal Funding Freeze Impacts Rural Colorado Communities

Federal funding freezes under President Trump’s second term are beginning to affect rural Colorado communities, with local leaders voicing bipartisan concerns about the ramifications.

At the February 12 Norwood Town Trustee meeting, Mayor Candy Meehan highlighted the wide-reaching impacts of the funding freeze.

“I’ve been working with John Whitney and Lisa Pool to ensure that the needs are going to be met at the forefront,” Meehan said. “We’re trying, but right at the moment when you said that there’s a federal freeze, you have no idea what that actually impacts. It impacts the clinic, it impacts us, it impacts the mothers on WIC. The trickledown is extraordinary.”

Meehan emphasized that bipartisan voices are being raised because the freeze affects all sides of the aisle.

“The people who did this didn’t recognize the trickle-down effect,” she added. “The latitude of the impact wasn’t well considered, so I’m hoping for relief in the next week.”

Whitney and Pool are regional staffers for Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, respectively.

Norwood Town Clerk Amanda Pierce reported that two local projects are on hold due to the freeze: the EPA Brownfields grant for asbestos abatement at the public school and a planned trip to Washington, D.C., for coal transition discussions.

“The trip was supposed to be in a week and a half,” Pierce said. “Thanks to the freeze, I don’t know that we’ll be able to go. Most municipalities can’t afford virtual participation; telling your story in person is important.”

The trip, organized by the National Association of Counties, would represent Colorado coal transition communities. Pierce noted, “This group is literally representing the state of Colorado in Washington, D.C., over coal-affected communities and that transition.”

Trustees agreed to find funding for the trip, with Meehan emphasizing its importance. “I don’t personally feel like this is an opportunity I want you to miss out on. This is a lot bigger than Colorado,” she said.

Pierce added that Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen is pushing for local leaders to advocate directly with state and federal representatives.

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KOTO Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

This year KOTO Radio turns 50. Since 1975 KOTO Radio has remained commercial free and non underwritten community radio. Susan Viebrock with Telluride Inside and Out speaks with Cara Pallone Executive Director on what 50 years looks like for KOTO and how we’re celebrating.

Story begins at 4:50

Montrose County Republicans Appoint New Commissioner

Nucla resident Sean Pond was appointed Montrose County Commissioner for District 3 following the unexpected passing of Rick Dunlap on February 8.

The Montrose County Republicans selected Pond on February 15. A local business owner, Pond gained recognition for his opposition to the Dolores National Monument campaign with his “Halt the Dolores” effort.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place Tuesday, February 18, at 9 a.m. at the Montrose County Public Works Office.

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Interior Department Layoffs Continue Amid Trump Administration Changes

The Department of the Interior laid off at least 2,300 employees on February 14, including 1,000 National Park Service workers, 800 Bureau of Land Management staff, and 400 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees.

The layoffs follow President Trump’s nomination of Doug Burgum, former North Dakota governor, as Secretary of the Interior. Burgum has pledged to prioritize Trump’s energy dominance agenda on public lands.

The Interior Department oversees over 500 million acres of public land, including national parks and Bureau of Land Management properties.

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Senator Bennet Challenges Administration on Public Lands

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet continues to clash with the Trump administration and Republican colleagues over public lands protection.

Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Caroline Llanes has more on the story.

Story begins at 10:49

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Colorado Lawmakers Seek Solutions to Immigration Policies

Some Colorado lawmakers are exploring ways to shield immigrants from President Trump’s hardline immigration policies. However, limitations exist under federal law.

KUNC’s Lucas Brady Woods spoke with an immigration law expert to explore the challenges within federalism and constitutional boundaries.

Story begins at 12:00

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