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A5A5CC73F87898D48725890F007B23A4 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Date Dec 5, 2022      
Location SCR 357



Department of Public Safety - Committee Discussion Only


03:25:04 PM  
The committee returned to order. Mike Morgan, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control for the Department of Public Safety, provided an overview of the the division's request to purchase a Firehawk helicopter to address wildfires, and the need for the aircraft. Mr. Morgan responded to questions regarding the cost of the helicopter. Mr. Morgan explained that there's one such helicopter available, and the next one will be available in 2026. Mr. Morgan responded to questions regarding the efficacy of the Firehawk helicopter, and the division's current firefighting aircraft portfolio. Mr. Morgan responded to further questions regarding why the division doesn't buy all of its aircraft, instead of leasing some of them. Mr. Morgan responded to additional questions regarding the ability of the division to access federal aerial resources for firefighting, and reimbursement when states and the federal government share such assets.
03:51:29 PM  
Discussion continued
regarding the Firehawk helicopter purchase.  Mr. Morgan responded
to questions regarding when the new helicopter could be put into service,
and the lease-purchase arrangement that would be required to acquire the
aircraft.  Terri Anderle, DPS Budget Director, provided input on this
lease-purchase arrangement.  Discussion ensued regarding why the division
is not acquiring the new helicopter in the same manner that it did with
its existing helicopter, and the stationing of the division's aerial firefighting
assets.  Discussion followed regarding what would happen if the state
did not make its payments on the lease-purchase.
04:06:26 PM  
John Camper, Director
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), provided an overview of the Toxicology
Lab, Expansion, CBI Arvada capital request.  Mr. Camper responded
to questions regarding the division's capability in the area of fentanyl
testing
04:13:22 PM  
Mr. Bishop provided
some closing remarks about the next day's activities.






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