I_WMRC_2018A 08/21/2018 01:08:54 PM Committee Summary

DeAnne Gallegos, representing the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, appearing remotely, testified on the economic effects of the 416 Fire. She discussed highway closures, closure of major attractions, and significant decreases in seasonal tourism. Ms. Gallegos answered committee members' questions.

Scott Fetchenheier, San Juan County Commissioner, appearing remotely, testified about economic impacts of wildfire in San Juan County. He described the impact of the train and road closures.

Julie Westendorff, La Plata County Commissioner, appearing remotely, testified as to the economic impact of wildfire in La Plata County.

Tim Walsworth, representing the Durango Downtown Business Improvement District, appearing remotely, testified about the economic impact of the 416 Fire in Durango. He described the challenges related to wildfire, as well as flood, mudslide, and poor air quality.

Ms. Westendorff responded to committee members' questions regarding flood insurance coverage.

Carole Walker, representing the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, and Kelly Campbell, representing the Property and Casualty Insurance Association of America, discussed issues related to homeowners' insurance, wildfire, and post-wildfire natural disasters.

Diana Leiker and Mac Fellin, representing Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, discussed their vegetation management program. They discussed how their program manages rights-of-way with compatible vegetation, fuel loading within transmission line rights-of-way, and removal of hazard trees that pose a threat to lines. They also discussed the effects of wildfire on their transmission corridors.

Chad Nickell, representing Xcel Energy, testified on Xcel's efforts to improve transmission line safety and reliability in the face of wildfire risks. He also discussed utilities' efforts to make their systems more resilient to natural disasters.

Mike Lester, representing the Colorado State Forest Service, distributed two handouts [Attachments A and B], and discussed methods for increasing effectiveness for wildfire mitigation.

Mr. Lester discussed several programs that allow the CSFS to partner with other stakeholders to increase effectiveness of wildfire fighting and mitigation efforts, including the Good Neighbor Authority, the Forest to Faucets Partnership, the 2 States - 3 Rivers - 2 Regions Partnership, community wildfire protection plans, and the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program.

Chris Creighton, representing Legislative Council Staff, provided an update on the bill drafts requested by the Alternative to the Gallagher Amendment Interim Study Committee.

Bob Lackner and Megan Waples, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee members' questions.

Mr. Lackner responded to additional questions on the bill request and drafting process.

Ron Larson, representing Rocky Mountain Biochar Initiatives, discussed biochar applications.