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Hickenlooper to sign wildfire bills

Governor to visit Durango

Gov. John Hickenlooper is scheduled to sign two wildfire-related bills Tuesday in Durango.

Hickenlooper will sign the Veterans Fire Corps for Wildfire Fighting bill and the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program, according to FireWise, a nonprofit group that seeks to reduce the risk of wildfires. Both bills were sponsored by State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango.

The Veterans Fire Corps bill authorizes the state to spend money providing training to Veterans Fire Corps, resulting in more year-round firefighting capacity.

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program provides funding for hazardous fuels removal and equipment. FireWise and other groups received almost $777,000 in grant money in 2013-14.

Hickenlooper will be at the Colorado Army National Guard station, 283 Girard St. in Bodo Industrial Park, at 9:45 a.m.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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