Udall, Bennet Announce Over $12 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Colorado Hazardous Fuels Reduction Projects

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet announced today that Colorado will receive $12.3 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to fund 5 hazardous fuels reduction projects across the state.

"This money is going to be a big help to our cash-strapped states, which are struggling to pay for basic expenses. And with wildfire season just weeks away, it couldn't come a moment too soon," Senator Udall said. "I have worked for many years to ensure the federal government is stepping up to the plate to help clear out bark beetle-infested trees and other fuels for destructive wildfire. So I know this funding will pay off in years to come for Colorado and other Western states. It will help protect people and property from wildfire, and keep our water supplies clean and our forests healthy and strong."

"With wildfire season fast approaching, it's important that we get out in front of the threat and reduce the risk of wildfire for Colorado's mountain communities," said Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry. "These funds will allow us to move forward with several worthwhile and long-neglected hazardous fuels projects that will put Coloradans to work and restore Colorado's forest health."

Hazardous fuels activities include reducing the volume of hazardous fuels on Federal forests and grasslands and on lands owned by States, local governments, private organizations, and individual land owners through financial assistance and partnership agreements.

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