At this point during the COVID-19 pandemic, itâs well known that local economies, especially tourist towns and small businesses, have been wrecked. On-again, off-again lockdowns, mandatory shutdowns and seemingly ever-changing public health guidelines have made 2020 some kind of hell for business owners and employees of the hospitality and tourism industry.
The three local governments have been lending a helping hand in as many ways as possible over the last nine months. Through various programs, including rent relief and outdoor dining assistance, San Miguel County, Mountain Village and Telluride officials are aiding community members and businesses that are baring the economic brunt of the pandemic.
Artists, venues and crew members have been clamoring for support since the live-entertainment industry was shut down by the government in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. Federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector have offered some aid, but not enough to match the need, and many metro area organizations risk closing altogether in 2021, according to a recent Scientific and Cultural Facilities District study.
Now the state is stepping up to help the cultural sector until the federal government which has been mired in partisan gridlock and lacking a comprehensive executive strategy can pass a relief bill.
Wed, Dec 16th 2020 12:00pm
Anna Read
Although the digital divide didn’t start with COVID-19, the pandemic has put into stark relief the need to bridge this divide once and for all. The solution providing tens of millions of Americans with high-speed, reliable broadband might seem like a daunting task. But our research has found that Colorado and other states are leading the way in connecting communities to high-speed, reliable internet.
The digital divide is a costly challenge to solve: A 2017 report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found that 14% of residential and small and medium-sized businesses lacked access to broadband and that it would cost $40 billion to get fiber optic cable which carries broadband signals to 98% of those premises. It would cost another $40 billion to serve the last 2 percent.
With conceptual plans for redevelopment of Phillips Trailer Park largely ironed out in 2020, Pitkin County officials and staff in 2021 will look to fine-tune project details, seek approval from the county Planning & Zoning Commission and apply for grants that can assist with the cost of major infrastructure work designed to improve the health and safety of the community.
Currently, the trailer park â a few miles northwest of Woody Creek â consists of about 10 units in the âriverviewâ area (on the western bank of the Roaring Fork River, close to Highway 82) and 30 units in the âhillsideâ area (off of Lower River Road). The county bought the land in early 2018 for $6.5 million as a way to preserve it as affordable for the residents there, removing the threat of private development and potential displacement. Since then, officials have conducted public outreach efforts and contracted with consultants to plot what they see as the best course of action for t
Housing assistance
A $60 million housing relief package was the biggest single stimulus bill passed by lawmakers.
Most of this money will go to existing state programs helping renters and landlords who are experiencing financial hardship.
Renters who would like to apply for emergency housing assistance can click here and get connected with the Salvation Army, which is helping with applications statewide. More details about the program can be found here.
Residents can also contact a local housing nonprofit, or call 2-1-1, for help.
McPherson says the state is currently working on a new web portal to let renters apply directly for the funding.