DENVER – Colorado Republicans want the state to buy an aerial firefighting fleet to help combat wildfires, but it’s an idea Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper does not support.

Republicans will introduce legislation Monday requiring the state to buy four military planes and lease three helicopters to aid firefighting efforts. The Republicans say the fleet is pricey, but essential, given Colorado’s wildfire risk.

Holding up a gallon of water, Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, said the wildfire air fleet is crucial to protecting Colorado’s forests and its watersheds.

“Either this is important, or it’s not,” he said, gesturing with the gallon of water.

On Thursday, Hickenlooper said having a state-owned fleet would be too costly, and the idea needs further study.

Even the Republican supporters weren’t sure Friday exactly how much the plan would cost. King said the four planes, which would be decommissioned planes acquired from the federal government, would cost about $7 million each to retrofit, for a total tab of at least $28 million.

He said it would cost an additional $5 million to $12 million a year to rent the helicopters.

“It doesn’t make any sense to me why the state should not have this proven resource available,” said Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “These resources work. They have been proven to work. They knock out small fires before they become big fires.”