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Eagle County to seek airport interchange grant

Scott Miller
Eagle County, CO Colorado

Why it’s important: Eagle County Commissioner Sara Fisher said the county was urged to apply for the grant by the Colorado Department of Transportation to show progress toward finding the rest of the money for the estimated $70 million interchange to link the Eagle County Regional Airport directly to Interstate 70.

What’s next? The county is applying for various federal grants, including one from a $1.5 billion package that’s part of the federal stimulus program.

Who they talked to: Joani Matranga of the Governor’s Energy office.



What they talked about: The variety of federal grants and programs coming to help boost energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings.

Why it’s important: Depending on how much money is available, it could provide some much-needed work for local construction companies.

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What’s next? Research, grant applications, and, for one bond program, perhaps a vote in the fall.

Who they talked to: Mike Jenkins and Tracy Walters from McMahon and Associates of Avon.

What’s in the report? The fairly large document details the county’s finances, spending and liabilities. According to state statute, a county either passes or fails its audit, but Jenkins said the county would get a “strong pass” as a grade.

“We’re impressed with the strength of the county’s fund balances,” Jenkins said.

Who they talked to: Anita White, vice president of Maximus, a consulting company that specializes in “cost allocation” services to governments.

Why it’s important: White claims that knowing the true costs of government services – from buildings to salaries to legal and technical services – allows governments to get a more specific handle on what services actually cost. That, in turn, can lead to providing service at a lower cost. Close tracking of the cost of services can also help county departments such as Health and Human Services in the pursuit of government grants.

The county, which had been charging departments a flat fee for administration, started a form of the system last year, and will use it more in the future.

What’s happening: Yarmony Grass is scheduled for July 31 – Aug. 1 at Rancho del Rio in northeast Eagle County. Promoter Scott Stoughton applied for a special event permit for the event and will sell liquor.

What they did: The commissioners approved the application 3-0.

To learn more: Go to http://www.yarmonygrass.com.


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