i_wmrc_2017a_2017-08-28t09:07:50z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/28/2017

Location: SCR 357

09:13 AM -- Overview of State Mitigation Issues



Cindy Domenico, Boulder Country Commissioner, spoke about developments in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) in Boulder County. She discussed the impact of wildfires in Boulder Country. Commissioner Domenico discussed the costs associated with suppression and recovery, including the Wildfire Partners Program to maintain defensible spaces for homeowners.



Commissioner Domenico answered questions regarding partnerships with federal agencies on mitigation efforts. She discussed the ongoing dialogue with the Colorado State Forest Service and the U.S. Forest Service.



09:27 AM -- Jim Webster, representing Boulder County, discussed the Wildfire Insurance Forest Health Task Force Report (Attachment A). He discussed the mitigation efforts in Boulder County and the reduced wildfire risks. He discussed the importance of tracking and measuring mitigation efforts and developing strategies. He discussed efforts in Boulder County to reduce risks, including three goals: resilient landscapes, fire adapted communities, and safe and effective wildfire response.



170828 AttachA.pdf



09:39 AM



Mr. Webster discussed the 13,000 individuals that are part of the Wildfire Partners Program. He also discussed the current state partners, including state departments, offices, and agencies: the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Emergency Management, the Governor's Office of Resiliency and Recovery, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the State Insurance Commissioner, the Department of Local Affairs, the Colorado State Forest Service, and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in DPS. He discussed the challenges regarding private property and local control.



09:49 AM



Mr. Webster answered questions regarding mitigation efforts in other counties and the challenges preventing action.



Commissioner Domenico answered questions regarding the efforts of other counties.



Mr. Webster answered questions regarding financial assistance and cost sharing to homeowners. Currently, cost sharing provides up to $2,500 for each property.



Commissioner Domenico said that the Wildfire Partners Program is not currently available in Colorado Springs.



09:59 AM



Mr. Webster discussed the recovery process for homeowners after a wildfire.



Senator Jones discussed the Wildfire Insurance Forest Health Task Force Report and fire protection efforts. Mr. Webster answered questions regarding risks to firefighters and fire protection efforts.



10:03 AM -- Iain Hyde, Director of the Governor's Office of Resiliency and Recovery, spoke on statewide mitigation efforts and fire adapted communities. He provided an overview of the Governor's Office of Resiliency and Recovery. Mr. Hyde discussed the underlying issues in communities that can magnify the economic restraints.



10:13 AM



Mr. Hyde continued to discuss statewide mitigation efforts, including maintenance of forest health and water restoration programs. He also spoke on the state's work to partner with local agencies and private entities.



Mr. Hyde answered questions regarding building codes. He spoke on the codes and land use policies that communities can employ based on their priorities.