Local Economic Recovery
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the "Stimulus Bill") was signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, February 17th. This $787 billion package offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and fund a variety of local projects.
This site will track the County's efforts to secure stimulus funding for local projects.
Below is a list of current or successful applications:
Colorado Dept. of Public Safety - Justice Assistance Grant The District
Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial District has applied for and received a grant for domestic violence prosecution over the next two years. Funding will be used to hire an attorney specifically dedicated to domestic violence prosecutions from the initiation of the case through adjudication. This "vertical prosecution model" reduces trauma to victims, improves conviction rates and provides more consistent and appropriate sentencing.
Status: $127,564 awarded
C.R. 501 Multi-Use Path
ARRA funding will help to construct a new multi-use grade separated pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side of C.R. 501. This path will be a continuation of the existing Bayfield pedestrian and bicycle path that currently terminates approximately 200 feet north of Bayfield Center Drive (at the traffic roundabout on CR 501) and will extend north to the south property line of the Dove Ranch subdivision, just north of Bayfield High School. ARRA funding in the amount of $216,666 will be coupled with other federal transportation enhancement funding ($57,067) and local match from La Plata County ($53,267) and the Town of Bayfield ($35,000) to construct the project, which is estimated at $362,000.
Status: Successful
Funding to be awarded through contract with Colorado Department of Transportation.
Federal Aviation Administration - Airport Improvement Program $3,000,000
The general aviation apron is a large paved area, 1,700 feet long by 250 feet wide that is used to park all aircraft utilizing the Durango-La Plata County Airport, with the exception of the scheduled commercial airlines. This area is used by airfreight carriers, air ambulance, business aircraft, military aviation, charter aircraft and visitors to the region. Much of the pavement is over 40 years old and has deteriorated badly. The project will consist of reconstruction of the southern ½ of the apron and milling and asphalt overlay of the northern portion. The project will also add apron lighting fixtures and will reconstruct the road that connects the commercial aircraft apron to the general aviation parking area.
Status: Successful
Environmental Protection Agency - Clean Diesel Program $761,491 total project cost (funding requested $604,372)
This project is a joint effort between the City of Durango and La Plata County. The proposed project includes the retrofit of 96 diesel vehicles (46 City fleet and 50 County fleet) to reduce total particulate emissions by up to 40 percent. In addition, this proposal includes funding for a new cleaner diesel recycle truck to replace an older inefficient recycle truck.
Status: Not selected for award
State Energy Program - Governor's Energy Office - $108,000
This project represents phase III of energy improvements to county facilities and includes retro-commissioning of 10 county buildings, installation of stand-alone boiler and chiller controls at the Old Main Post Office and installation of garage door switches that turn off heaters when large bay doors are open to conserve energy.
Status: Application submitted August 28, 2009
U.S. Department of Justice - Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program $80,794
This is a joint request with La Plata County for a total of $80,794 in formula funding. La Plata County is requesting $39,584 for laptop computers for their patrol cars. The City's request of $41,210 will be used for one patrol car laptop computer, along with ballistic vests and helmets for the tactical team, and to administer the grant.
Status: Successful
U.S. Department of Justice – COPS Hiring Recovery Program $427,372
This grant would fund two deputy sheriff positions for the La Plata County Sheriff’s office for three years to advance community policing initiatives. Under the provisions of the grant, La Plata County would be obligated to maintain the positions for at least the fourth year.
Status: Not selected for award
For additional information contact the County Manager's office at (970)382-6211.
Related Links:
