Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday February 4th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

Today - In Denver, overdoses involving fentanyl more than doubled in 2020 compared with the year before. Steve Kotecki, the public affairs specialist with the Denver field office of the DEA spoke with The Colorado Sun about what’s contributing to this rise.

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to February 4th, 1954 when William, or Billy, Adams, the first Colorado Governor elected to three consecutive terms, passed away. He was a political force for decades and offered an effective voice for rural Coloradans.

Now, our feature story.

For the past several years, law enforcement and public health officials have warned that fentanyl -- a potent, synthetic opioid powder causing a spike in overdoses on the coasts -- would soon arrive in Colorado. 

And based on the latest statistics, it’s clearly here.

Statewide, overdose deaths involving fentanyl more than doubled, rising 111% to 452 deaths last year from 214 in 2019. 

Health officials worried that the coronavirus pandemic, which kept people isolated and led to increased rates of anxiety and depression, would also lead to more drug deaths. Data released at the close of 2020 proved those fears true.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown spoke with Steve Kotecki, the public affairs specialist with the Denver field office of the DEA, to find out how fentanyl arrived in Colorado.

Kotecki and Brown also discussed the counterfeit oxycodone that’s sold on the streets, and why it’s so dangerous. 

State Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat, said Colorado is already behind in addressing fentanyl overdoses, but she does not have plans to introduce legislation that would allow a supervised drug consumption site. 

Herod, who traveled to Vancouver a couple of years ago to visit a government-sanctioned drug injection site, said there is plenty of evidence showing the sites save lives. She said she would support one here if that’s what the community wants. Such a site could warn people about fentanyl, help detect it in the drugs brought on site, and coordinate with law enforcement to make sure dealers are caught.

To learn more about this story visit us at Coloradosun.com.

Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

The three men killed in an avalanche on Monday near Silverton have been identified as prominent Eagle County community members. One of the victims, Adam Palmer, was a newly elected Town of Eagle trustee. Another was Andy Jessen, who co-founded Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. Seth Bossung was the third man who died in the avalanche. He managed projects for the county’s energy efficiency department.

State Senator Kerry Donovan has filed paperwork launching her campaign to unseat Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert next year. Donovan is a Vail Democrat. She is citing Boebert’s tumultuous start in Washington, D.C. She joins a Democratic primary field that includes Gregg Smith, a businessman and rancher who lives in Westcliffe, and Colin Wilhelm, a Glenwood Springs lawyer.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up by the Colorado Sun. It’s Wednesday February 3rd, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. 

Today - As Colorado addresses climate change advocates are urging action at a faster pace.

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to February 3rd, 1920 when Officials in a small town in Arapahoe County filed incorporation paperwork which enabled them to organize a local government. For a place the humble size of Deer Trail, it boasts a remarkable legacy. For example, in 2013 a handful of residents sought to issue drone hunting licenses, claiming that it was necessary to defend freedom. 

As Colorado attempts to address climate change, emissions from the transportation sector is next on the to-do list. Reporter Michael Booth has more on how some advocates are urging action at a faster pace than currently required.

For more information on auto emissions and climate change, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

Three Eagle County men are presumed dead following an avalanche near Silverton Monday afternoon. Rescue crews arrived later that night and continued searching for the men through Tuesday. Two Durango skiers were killed in an avalanche in the same area in December.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/02/02/eagle-locals-dead-avalanche-ophir-pass/

 

Two of the three teenage boys accused of murder in the Green Valley Ranch house fire last August will be tried as adults. The sixteen-year-olds each face sixty charges against them. The Denver district attorney is asking to move the case against the third suspect, a fifteen-year-old boy, out of juvenile court so he can also be charged as an adult.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/02/02/senegal-family-fire-adult-charges-colorado/ 

 

Some Colorado school districts are trying to improve their indoor air quality to reduce the chance of students and staff catching coronavirus. HEPA air filters in classrooms, more efficient ventilation systems and even ultraviolet light are some of the technologies on the table. Schools hope to offer a more stable schedule for students by keeping classrooms in person once kids return for the semester.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/02/02/colorado-school-districts-air-coronavirus-synexis/ 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Tuesday February 2nd, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

Today - Over the weekend Governor Jared Polis visited pop up vaccination sites around the state to see the rollout firsthand. 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to February 2nd, 1848 when The United States secured claim - but not control - all over the modern state of Colorado. On this day American and Mexican officials signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo near Mexico City, ending the bloody Mexican-American war.

Thousands of people attended a mass vaccination clinic at Coors Field last weekend. Meanwhile, many others got inoculated at smaller community clinics, including Governor Jared Polis. Reporter Jesse Paul tagged along with the governor and discussed the experience with reporter Lucy Haggard.

To read more about community vaccination clinics, go to coloradosun.com.

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

Colorado started rolling out Phase 1 of new federal unemployment benefits this weekend. On top of other unemployment payments, thousands of out-of-work Coloradans received weekly $300 boosts going back to late December. But some who were eligible are still struggling to access the federal relief money. It’s not clear when Phase 2 of benefits will begin for those whose benefits ran out before December 27.

Pandemic-induced difficulties have hit the performing arts harder than the visual arts. Still, many groups are finding ways to get by. Not a single organization funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District has closed for good, and tax revenue for the district is only down 2.8 percent, thanks to online shopping.

Colorado’s vaccine priority list started with three phases, but now has subphases and sub-sub-phases. Advocates for the unhoused community worry that there’s no concrete plan for getting vaccines to people who live in shelters or on the street, even though they are more vulnerable to catching coronavirus. 

Confused about when you can get the vaccine? Go to coloradosun.com to check out our choose-your-vaccine-adventure story.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Monday February 1st, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

Today - The Sun’s education reporter is here to tell us more about a group of students across the state who have launched a platform to talk about mental health and racial justice.

Before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to the end of January in 1992 when the doors closed to the old Tivoli Union Brewery. It was a local landmark and was reinvented as a college student center.

And now, our feature story. 

Issues like mental health and racial justice deeply shape the lives of Colorado’s students, and yet much of the time their voices aren’t part of conversations or decisions about these exact issues. That’s going to change. A band of 60 students across the state has launched its own platform to talk about mental health and racial justice -- the root causes of each and how communities can do better. Now, they’re inviting adults to listen and to collaborate in hopes of inspiring meaningful change. Education reporter Erica Breunlin interviewed some of the students to understand why their voices deserve to be heard.

To read more about students’ pursuit of racial justice and better mental health resources for young Coloradans, go to coloradosun.com.

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories you should know about today:

Governor Jared Polis received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine Saturday, saying he wanted to lead by example. Polis, who is 45 years old, was one of roughly 200 government officials given vaccine priority to ensure government continuity. Officials shuffled the vaccine priority list Friday to give earlier access to teachers and those aged 65 to 69.

A fourth person was arrested Friday as a result of the investigation into a north Denver house fire last year. Tanya Bui (pronounced Boo-ee) was arrested under drug and weapons charges, but federal court documents link her to the three house fire suspects arrested Wednesday. The Green Valley Ranch fire killed five members of a Senegalese family and wracked the community.

More than five thousand Coloradans have died after contracting coronavirus. For one family, that meant losing all three people in one house. John C. Castillo, Jean D. Chavez and Johnny Castillo died within a month of each other, despite apparently being very cautious during the pandemic.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Friday January 29th, and we’re lucky to start the day with you.

Today - Backcountry use soars in Colorado, and other areas look to the Vail Pass fee model.

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to January 29th, 1906 when a group of Colorado ranchers inaugurated a festival celebrating their industry. The event evolved over the decades into an institution that celebrates Colorado history - the National Western Stock Show.

Now our feature story.

Backcountry use at Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area is split down the middle: half the visitors are on skis and snowshoes, and the other half are cruising the 55,000 acres of the White River National Forest on motorized vehicles. 

The bulk of the non-motorized users are there to spend a night in a 10th Mountain Division hut, sharing the forest with adventurers who booked guided trips with one of about 20 permitted outfitters as well as day-trippers who rented snowmobiles in Summit County on their drive toward 11,000 feet and Vail Pass.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown spoke with Sam Massman, a Dillon-based acting deputy ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. 

All of the mixed-use recreation is keeping snow rangers who manage the area busier than ever,  as backcountry use spikes in Colorado against the backdrop of dangerous snowpack this season that’s prone to slide.

Almost 38,000 people visited at least once last winter, and the area is even more popular this winter during the pandemic. Fees, long a contentious word on Colorado’s public lands, are helping them manage the surge. 

The Forest Service’s success in managing parking, search-and-rescue access, and conflict between buzzing snow-sled engines and folks who come to quietly skin up the trails has other winter recreation areas on public lands taking notice.

Popular backcountry destinations, including Buffalo Pass near Steamboat and Red Mountain Pass near Ouray, have also experienced a boom in users during the past few years, but without the same budget.

The Vail Pass area has become a model in backcountry management. About 95% of the funds collected are returned to the area to pay for plowing parking lots, grooming 50 miles of trails for snowmobiles, timber sleds and snowcats, and cleaning the pit toilet. 

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

Hundreds of thousands of unemployed Coloradans will begin to receive benefits again soon. A wave of emails went out Thursday from the state Department of Labor and Employment indicating those who are on regular unemployment will get their share first.

A new report from the Colorado Health Institute indicates more than half of Colorado’s prison population has gotten coronavirus. Thirty-two inmates have died since the pandemic began. The report calls for incarcerated individuals to be placed higher on the vaccine priority list.

Colorado may waive standardized testing for elementary and middle school kids for the second year in a row. Some argue the tests will be inaccurate due to the abnormality of school during the pandemic, while others say without the tests, there’s no way to know which districts are falling behind.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday January 28th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

Today - The Colorado eviction moratorium has ended, but the national one has been extended, The Sun’s Tamara Chuang is here today to explain what tenants need to know.

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to January 28th, 1885 when the Rocky Mountain News declared that Denver should be chosen as the meeting place of a body of men representing the silver producers of the country. 1500 delegates attended the National Silver Convention.

Three juveniles have been arrested in connection with a north Denver house fire that killed five members of a Senegalese family in August. The boys face 28 charges, including first-degree murder with extreme indifference, burglary, arson and assault. Police said the fire did not appear to be a hate crime.

The U.S. Department of Justice has settled fraud allegations against a global marketing company whose main sales office is in Westminster. Epsilon Data Management will pay $150 million for selling consumer data to perpetrators of elder fraud schemes. Most of the fine will go to fraud victims.

Water managers across Colorado have rallied together in a rare show of solidarity to strongly oppose Wall Street speculation on the state’s water resources. Western water law prevents profiteering, but industry leaders are still ready to fight private investors to keep water a public resource.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday January 27th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. 

Today - New modeling projections show that as long as Colorado maintains current levels of social distancing, the risk of overrunning hospitals has passed.

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to January 27th, 1808 when Anthony Bettay told President Thomas Jefferson about lucrative silver deposits in the central Rocky Mountains, the heart of modern Colorado. 

As vaccinations pick up across the state, giving protection to the most at-risk, the chance of hospitals being overwhelmed shrinks according to a new modeling report released on Tuesday. If Coloradans continue to maintain the current levels of social distancing and mask-wearing, then the peaks of the pandemic are behind us.

But public health leaders are still cautious -- the coronavirus has pulled tricks before and a lot depends on whether Coloradans do their part. But the leaders are also increasingly optimistic.

Colorado Sun reporter John Ingold is here with some more information on the report. 

As long as Colorado reaches the vaccination target and maintains at least 60% transmission control, the state will not breach its hospital intensive-care capacity, according to the modeling projections. Gov. Jared Polis has said repeatedly that the state is on-track to reach the vaccination goal. 

Meanwhile, 60% is the lowest level of transmission control the state has seen since the pandemic began -- it is akin to where Colorado was in the fall right before the state experienced its largest surge in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. During a news conference on Tuesday, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist, stressed the importance of continuing social distancing.

The researchers creating these projections have a similar message. Elizabeth Carlton, a professor at the Colorado School of Public Health who is one of the researchers working to create modeling projections for the course of the pandemic in the state - said that hospital capacity is not the only measurement of success. The modeling report also forecasts much sorrow in the months to come.

In the best-case scenario, at least 500 more Coloradans with COVID-19 will die by June. 

So, yes, this is likely the final stretch. But it doesn’t mean the race is over.

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

Data delayed from the 2020 Census are threatening to upend Colorado’s redistricting process. Two new state commissions have September deadlines to produce results, but 2020 census numbers aren’t expected until well after the usual March 31 delivery date.

Colorado’s newest U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper has been chosen to help President Joe Biden draft a national coronavirus relief bill. As part of the so-called “sweet 16” bipartisan group, Hickenlooper said he’s prioritizing state and local aid, small business assistance and reopening schools.

Rural broadband provider Jade Communications is gaining traction with their services and has branched out to make a parental-control app. The system manages internet use at the router level, helping parents in the San Luis Valley keep their kids on task while they do school from home during coronavirus

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Tuesday January 26th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

Today - The vaccine disparity is statewide, with a higher proportion of whites getting vaccinated. 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to January 26th, 1875 when The New York Times reported on a brutal interaction between cattle and sheep ranchers. A Feud that lingered into the Great Depression. Finally in 1934 the Taylor Grazing Act established a land management system.

It’s still early in Colorado’s vaccination rollout, but the initial statistics about who is getting word about vaccine clinics, who is seeking out appointments, and who is showing up to be immunized reveal gaping disparities along racial and economic lines.  

Even though the work to create an equitable distribution began months ago, the way the first doses have been spread across the state has favored white Coloradans. Those who are active patients in a health system, who are tuned in via social media and online networks, and those who are native English speakers.

In response, public health workers and newly formed vaccine equity task forces are mobilizing to bring the vaccine to places where vaccination rates have been lower historically in Colorado. To reach communities of color, the strategy is twofold -- breaking down logistical barriers such as in language and transportation, and battling an ingrained mistrust of the government and medical providers.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown is joining us today to tell us more.

Initial statewide data shows that white Coloradans have accounted for about 68% of those receiving at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine so far, which is roughly equal to white representation in the state. Black Coloradans, however, have accounted for just 1.8% of vaccinations, even though they represent about 4% of the population. And Hispanic Coloradans have received 4.3% of the vaccines despite representing 22% of the population. The data is incomplete, however, and in some cases, race was not recorded.

Those are total vaccination numbers from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, so they include vaccines for health care workers, first responders and those 70 and older, the three groups at the top of the state’s priority list. 

Brig. Gen. Scott Sherman, who is in charge of the state’s coronavirus vaccine distribution, said the data so far is heavily influenced by the makeup of the health care and fire responder workforces, which are predominately white. The state will release demographic data for vaccinations specifically among the 70 and older population later this week, he said.

But  among health care workers black, Latino and other minority staff seem less likely to get the vaccine than their white peers. By mid-January, Centura had administered 25,736 doses to its workers. Black workers were 44% less likely to get vaccinated than white workers and Latino workers were 22% less likely. 

And they all got the same email inviting them to get vaccinated.

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

A company that started to sell personal protective equipment soon after the coronavirus pandemic began will pay $70,000 to settle claims that it misled and gouged consumers in violation of Colorado law. Nationwide Medical Supply denies the state attorney general's allegations that it resold masks marketing higher effectiveness than they had, and charged more than 250 percent more than the products cost the company to buy.

Colorado is moving forward with its plan to import prescription drugs from Canada. The state has asked for vendors to apply to help run the program, but Colorado still needs to receive federal approval and iron out other issues before it's hoped-for start date in 2023.

The average salary for a Colorado teacher is several thousand dollars less than the national average. Experts warn that the current recession adds an additional stress to the state’s educators, and without intervention, teacher shortages will likely continue.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Monday January 25th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

Today - Colorado Sun reporter Tamara Chuang is here to walk us through recent updates on unemployment benefits.

Before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to January 25th, 1998 when the Denver Broncos found triumph at last by defeating the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl. It was their fifth championship appearance.

And now, our feature story. 

The Sun’s Tamara Chuang, is joining today to provide some insight into why many unemployed Coloradans have not gotten benefit checks during the past month, when people will get paid, and what will be important to pay attention to in the upcoming week.

Tamara, thank you so much for taking the time to clarify all of this. Can you start by giving us an overview of what’s going on right now with unemployment benefits? And, I know there were issues with fraudulent claims, can you tell what the state is doing about that?

And, what’s the main thing that people need to know this week, what should people be looking out for? 

Finally, are there any other issues that have come up that our listeners should know about? And what should listeners do if they have other questions about unemployment?

Thank you so much.

As Tamara mentioned, if you want to learn more visit coloradosun.com or email Tamara directly at [email protected].

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories you should know about today:

White Coloradans are getting vaccinated at a faster rate than Black or Hispanic Coloradans. Data from the state health department shows a significant number of those vaccinated are not designated by race or ethnicity. That means the disparity may be even greater than the numbers currently show.

For unemployed Coloradans, federal benefits could start as soon as January 29.

Former California university professor John Eastman has been banned from performing outreach or speaking at the University of Colorado Boulder after giving a speech for former President Donald Trump shortly before the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to university officials.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Friday January 22nd, and we’re lucky to start the day with you.

Today - Residents of Chaffee, Lake and Eagle counties buried the Surface Transportation Board with opposition to a plan that proposes to revive the Tennessee Pass railroad.

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to January 22nd, 1935  when The US Senate voted unanimously to confirm Josephine Roche as the assistant secretary of the treasury. The skill and drive Roche brough to Washington DC echoed her decades of work in Colorado.

This month, Residents of Chaffee, Lake and Eagle counties buried the Surface Transportation Board with opposition to the plan proposed by a Texas-based, short-line operator to begin running freight and possibly passengers on tracks that last saw trains in 1997. Environmental groups, county commissioners and a competitor on Colorado’s Eastern Plains have joined the chorus of opposition. They’re asking the federal transportation board to either reject or further scrutinize the deal. 

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins is here today to tell us more. 

Jason, thanks so much for your time today, can you start off by giving us an overview here? What's going on with the Tennessee pass line?

The estimated cost of rehabilitating the railroad for just freight is $278 million. Renovating the line for passenger traffic, with stations for loading and unloading, would add to that cost. 

Residents along the tracks are worried Colorado Midland & Pacific would pursue volume and high-dollar freight to offset the cost of rehabilitating the line. Many remember when long freight trains stopped in towns like Buena Vista in the 1980s and ’90s, blocking all three of the town’s railroad crossings at once. 

And environmental groups worry that a high volume would increase the chances for derailments or spills. 

But before trains roll over Tennessee Pass, there will be much more review and studies by a host of local, state and regional authorities, including the Forest Service and Colorado Department of Transportation. The transportation board is a first step in what will be a long process.

Jeremy Nichols with the WildEarth Guardians environmental group sent a letter to the board arguing that reviving the rail line after 24 years was no different than building a new railroad and would have potentially significant impacts to the region’s communities, economies, environment, health, and quality of life.

To learn more about this story, visit us at coloradosun.com

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

Governor Jared Polis’s proposed stimulus bill, totaling one point three billion dollars, won’t come as fast as he’s wanted. The Colorado General Assembly is opting to save the plan for when the session resumes on February 16. Many of Polis’ special requests are expected to get their own pieces of legislation, instead of being approved as supplemental expenditures.-

Congregate living facilities in Colorado, including prisons, nursing homes and shelters, will no longer use coronavirus tests from the company Curative. The state also plans to phase out Curative tests at drive-up testing sites in the coming weeks, following FDA warnings that the tests return too many false negatives.

New research suggests Colorado’s public investments could be better directed to help people climb out of poverty and into a true middle-income lifestyle. The latestBell Policy reportindicates that when Colorado invests in education or judicial system programs meant to keep people out of prison, people’s ability to buy a home increases. 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.