Paused federal grants, local projects and a $1 million release for a nonprofit

Committee members discussed how federal funding pauses are affecting on-the-ground mitigation and infrastructure projects.

Chair Larimer County Commissioner Joey Shadd McNally told the committee that a wildfire defense grant of about $9,700,000 and a separate infrastructure grant for work at Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs had been paused, affecting planned mitigation and construction start dates. She said those grants were “progressing forward” following her meetings with congressional offices and senators in Washington.

Commissioner Veronica Medina said a congressional intervention helped free funds for a nonprofit: “He was able to get over 1000000 dollars released in those funds for work that had already been completed,” she said, referring to assistance from Congressman Jeff Hurd for Fire Adaptive.

Members said paused federal dollars complicate local planning and contract timelines, and asked staff to continue engaging federal offices and to provide updates to the council. Courtney Morris (DNR) noted staff are discussing how the committee might consistently relay implementer challenges — such as stewardship agreement or NEPA permitting obstacles — to federal offices.

Why it matters: Multi-million-dollar federal grants fund mitigation, reservoir hardening and other work that affects local wildfire risk and infrastructure timelines. Paused funds can delay construction and reimbursement for nonprofits that already completed work.

What’s next: Staff will continue federal engagement and report progress to the committee; members flagged the topic as a priority ahead of the April 30 council meeting in Archuleta County.