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Upper Colorado River program to get large cut of ‘historic’ drought spending

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Upper Colorado River program to get large cut of ‘historic’ drought spending


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SALT LAKE CITY — A program that goals to preserve Colorado River water in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming is getting a serious reduce of $728 million in new funds for drought and local weather resilience initiatives within the U.S., the Division of Inside introduced Monday.

As much as $125 million shall be put aside for the Higher Basin System Conservation Pilot Program, which is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Higher Colorado River Fee, composed of representatives from the 4 states. This system, division officers defined, “dietary supplements” efforts to extend water conservation, enhance water effectivity and keep away from “critically low elevations” at reservoirs alongside the Colorado River.

“(We’re) dedicated to making sure the continued availability of water throughout the West whereas, on the similar time, enhancing the resiliency of our communities to a altering local weather,” Camille Calimlim Touton, bureau commissioner, stated in an announcement. “As we transfer ahead with these pressing priorities, we’re doing so in shut collaboration with basin states, tribes, water managers, farmers, irrigators and different stakeholders.”

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The Higher Colorado River Fee initially ran the short-term and voluntary four-year pilot program from 2015 by means of the top of 2018 as a strategy to “discover potential options and to handle declining water ranges” at Lake Powell and Lake Mead alongside the Colorado River.

Somewhat greater than $8.5 million of funds went into this system over that span of time for dozens of initiatives that saved an estimated 47,213 acre-feet of water, in keeping with a pair of studies issued by the fee in 2018 and 2019.

The fee determined to revisit this system because it responded to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s problem to all Colorado River Basin managers to avoid wasting an extra 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water final 12 months.

The fee states rapidly adopted a five-point plan that outlines that the states will full a drought response operations plan, which is anticipated to be finalized this spring; take into account a brand new administration plan to higher perceive how the states are consuming water; and proceed “strict water administration and administration inside the out there annual water provide” inside the 4 states.

However the conservation pilot program is the bread and butter of the plan. It notes that the states would deliver again this system in 2023 and likewise requested for federal help as sought to develop this system’s funds. That is what Monday’s announcement achieved.

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“The System Conservation Pilot Program is a big piece of that. It is framed … on short-term, voluntary and compensated reductions in consumptive water use,” stated Chuck Cullom, the Colorado River packages supervisor, throughout a gathering on the topic final month, noting at the moment the Higher Basin states had but to find out what number of initiatives it’ll approve or how a lot water shall be saved.

“On the highest stage, we want to have the ability to present that water is conserved and advantages the Colorado River,” he added.

The deadline for the 2023 initiatives was Feb. 1. Collum stated that whereas the main target is 2023, there’s “no approach” that this system might spend $125 million this 12 months. It is as much as the states to conform to develop this system.

The states can even take into account long-term infrastructure initiatives reminiscent of new irrigation efficiencies and new sorts of infrastructure for municipal and industrial customers. Extra particulars about these initiatives are anticipated to be launched later this 12 months, he stated within the Jan. 18 assembly.

The complete $728 million in funding comes from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation and the 2022 Inflation Discount Act, although the Higher Colorado River Basin undertaking is funded by the latter of the 2. The Bureau of Reclamation is slated to spend over $325 million general on “drought resilience initiatives” throughout the U.S.

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“We’re investing historic sources by means of the (two payments) to supply clear, dependable ingesting water to rural and tribal communities, shield the soundness and sustainability of the Colorado River System and improve water effectivity throughout the West,” Inside Secretary Deb Haaland stated in an announcement.

The 2021 invoice put aside $8.3 billion for water infrastructure initiatives throughout the U.S. over a five-year span, whereas the 2022 invoice tacked on $4.6 billion to deal with the “worsening drought disaster” and plan for future water consumption wants throughout the nation.

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Carter Williams is an award-winning reporter who covers common information, open air, historical past and sports activities for KSL.com. He beforehand labored for the Deseret Information. He’s a Utah transplant by the way in which of Rochester, New York.

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Busy slopes and messy roads: Colorado mountains bracing for snowy holiday weekend

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Busy slopes and messy roads: Colorado mountains bracing for snowy holiday weekend


SILVERTHORNE, Colo. — Multiple rounds of mountain snow mean it will likely be a crowded holiday weekend for skiers and boarders on the slopes, and for those driving up into the high country.

By Monday, a foot of snow is possible along the Interstate 70 drive. The area around Steamboat Springs and Rabbit Ears Pass is under a Winter Storm Warning and could see even more.

DENVER WEATHER LINKS: Hourly forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream

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Shops like Blue Valley Ski and Board Rentals in Silverthorne were packed on Friday.

“Today, we sent out our biggest day of the season so far,” said owner Mo Esch. “We were sold out for a while [today].”

Esch said that only happens a couple of times a season.

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This holiday weekend between Christmas and New Year’s has led people to his business from as far as the Southern U.S., and even the Southern Hemisphere.

“Lot of Alabama, a lot of Louisiana,” Esch said of Friday’s customers. “Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, New York, Argentina, Mexico, lots of places.”

Still, there are many more who will be making the drive up this weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is warning them to plan ahead.

“What we are hearing is that there are going to be waves of snow this weekend, fairly moderate snow that we’re expecting,” said Lisa Schwantes, regional communications manager for CDOT.

“Travel during the daylight hours, if you can, because the cold temperatures will definitely impact and affect the roadway. So it could freeze up, get slick out there,” she advised. “So if you can avoid travel at night, I would do that.”

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CDOT advises everyone to take extra time and extra emergency items with them, like food, water, a blanket, a snow shovel and a flashlight.

The department also urges everyone, especially commercial drivers, to obey chain laws. Drivers who do not are often involved in slide-offs and pile-ups that can snarl traffic and prevent plows from getting through, according to Schwantes.

The extra precautions are worth it to safely enjoy spending the holidays in the Colorado mountains.

“I hardly remember any of the Christmas presents I got, but I remember every single ski vacation my family ever took,” Esch recalled. “It was really just something I hold near and dear to my heart. So that’s one of the reasons why I just, I like to share that with other people.”

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is warning backcountry travelers to be careful, as this weekend’s heavy snow and high winds will bring high avalanche danger.

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End Your Year Right At Decadence Colorado – 303 Magazine

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End Your Year Right At Decadence Colorado – 303 Magazine


The countdown to an unforgettable New Years Eve experience has officially begun! Decadence Colorado is back and bigger than ever, promising to be the highlight of your holiday festivities. On December 30th and 31st, the Colorado Convention Center will transform into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community, as Global Dance and AEG Presents: Rocky Mountains bring you the largest indoor NYE dance music festival in the United States.
Get your Decadence tickets HERE before they sell out!

This years event features an incredible lineup of performers set to take the stage across two massive platforms, ensuring that your ears will be treated to the best sounds in the industry as we bid farewell to the year. But that’s not all – Decadence is known for it’s immersive experiences, and this years Digital City theme will elevate your senses to new heights. Picture a high-tech metropolis adorned with stunning lights, lasers, and interactive art installations that invite you to explore and engage in a world of creativity.

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As Ha Hau, the visionary founder of Decadence and Global Dance, shares, The theme behind Decadence is a digital city, a city of indulgence. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the event spirit, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a unique blend of art, music, and community.

Since its debut, Decadence has transformed into a dazzling spectacle, claiming its title as the largest indoor New Years Eve dance event in North America! What began as a cozy gathering in a few halls of the Colorado Convention Center has exploded into a massive celebration that stretches across a venue the size of six football fields.

Every year, Decadence attracts thousands of passionate fans from all corners of the country, creating a vibrant tapestry of energy and excitement that’s hard to match. Picture yourself dancing the night away to the thumping beats of the biggest names in electronic dance music, while also discovering fresh talent that’s making waves in the scene. This event is more than just a celebration, its a cultural phenomenon that has become a staple in Denver’s nightlife and a rite of passage for young adults eager to ring in the New Year with friends and unforgettable memories.

This year’s all-star lineup includes (in alphabetical order):
Apashe, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Chris Lake, Elderbrook (DJ Set), Excision, Ganja White Night, ILLENIUM b2b Slander, ISOxo, Liquid Stranger, Meduza b2b James Hype, Morten, REZZ, Seven Lions, Skepsis, Subtronics, Tchami x Malaa (No Redemption), The Glitch
Mob, Tiësto, Wax Motif, William Black, Wreckno, and Zeds Dead.
Iconic DJ/producer duo Zeds Dead return as fan favorites, having just celebrated their 10th anniversary of selling out Red Rocks for their annual July 4th event. ILLENIUM, who will perform a special back-to-back set with Slander, is another local hero. From humble beginnings playing DJ battles at The Black Box, ILLENIUM has risen to headline Denver’s biggest stages, including three-night runs at Red Rocks and Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Get your Decadence tickets HERE





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Longmont’s animal control officials warn of spike in sick raccoons in Colorado

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Longmont’s animal control officials warn of spike in sick raccoons in Colorado


Longmont’s animal control officials warn of spike in sick raccoons in Colorado – CBS Colorado

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Agencies across the country are warning of a viral disease outbreak in raccoons, a deadly illness that can spread to pets.

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