Office of the Governor
- Press Office| FOR RELEASE Friday, April 2, 2004 |
CONTACT: Dan Hopkins - 303-866-6324 Kristen Hubbell - 303-866-6323 |
OWENS SIGNS LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING USE OF WILDFIRE EMERGENCY FUND FOR INITIAL HELICOPTER ATTACKS ON FIRES
(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens today signed legislation which encourages additional financial support for the state's Wildfire Emergency Response Fund and also authorizes the State Forest Service to tap the fund to pay for the first hour of a firefighting helicopter at a wildfire.
"The initial attack on a wildfire is critical," Owens said. "Each summer, I have authorized funding for several air tankers to be in position here in Colorado. Our strategy of pre-positioning resources has proven to be very successful and this new law adds yet another tool, making sure that funds are available for initial helicopter attacks on wildfires."
The Colorado Forest Service reports that 95 percent of the fires in 2003 were controlled at under ten acres.
The bill also authorizes the State Forest Service to seek and accept gifts, grants, reimbursements or donations from public or private sources for the Wildfire Emergency Response Fund.
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last modified April 02, 2004
