Posts tagged Boulder County
More Boulder County seniors may be eligible for food, heating cost assistance
Apr 12th
Eligibility expansions now in effect
Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County seniors age 60 and older who may not have previously qualified for help with food and heating costs may now be eligible for assistance. Boulder County’s Department of Housing and Human Services is overseeing local expansions of both the Food Assistance and Low-income Energy Assistance Programs.
Theresa Kullen, eligibility program manager with the Community Assistance and Resource Services program at Boulder County Housing and Human Services, says the changes are welcome. “These expansions will help more low-income Boulder County seniors meet the rising costs of heating their homes and buying groceries,” she said. “We know the need is there, so our hope is to spread the word about these new opportunities.”
Food assistance is now available to seniors whose gross monthly income is less than $1,816 for an individual or $2,452 for a couple. Deductions from income can be made for mortgage, rent, and utility and medical expenses. The “asset test” is no longer used to determine eligibility for food assistance. This test previously made seniors ineligible for food assistance if the value of bank accounts, life insurance policies, or IRAs exceeded a certain amount. Qualification is now based only on income.
Approved applicants receive a debit card that can be used to buy produce, meat, dairy items, and boxed, frozen, and canned goods. The Food Assistance application is simple and short, and processing takes just two to three days. Seniors are encouraged to apply for this expansion now or find out more by contacting Shaula Lee at Boulder County Housing and Human Services at 303-678-6336 orslee@bouldercounty.org.
In addition, Boulder County residents age 60 and older who were previously ineligible for LEAP (the Low-income Energy Assistance Program) due to income limit reductions may now be able to get help with winter heating bills through the Senior Heat + program. This new program has gross monthly income limits of $1,670 for an individual or $2,246 for a couple.
The application deadline for Senior Heat + is April 30. Seniors who may be eligible should apply immediately or find out more by contacting Amy Armstrong at Boulder County Housing and Human Services at 303-678-6007 or aarmstrong@bouldercounty.org.
Boulder County: Popular Hessie Trailhead is a parking nightmare
Apr 12th
Hessie Trailhead safety, access issues to be addressed
First of three public meetings scheduled for April 24
Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Transportation and Parks and Open Space departments are proposing changes to the Fourth of July Road (County Road 111) to address concerns about safety and access to the Hessie Trailhead area.
The improvements are proposed to be made between the junction of Hessie Road and the end-of-pavement at the west end of the Eldora townsite (see map).
Congestion near the trailhead and along the road has resulted in gridlock and created unsafe conditions for residents and visitors. As a result of the number of vehicles and people attempting to navigate through the area, it can be impossible for emergency responders to get from Nederland to the trailhead and points beyond in a timely manner. Watch video of traffic congestion.
The Hessie Trailhead is operated by the U.S. Forest Services and is a popular access point to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and several lakes and trails.
“The popularity of this area has created a major safety issue, so we’ve developed ideas for keeping the road clear so that people can recreate safely, access is maintained for both the public and emergency responders, and impacts to the community of Eldora are minimized.” Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle said.
The Boulder County staff proposal includes:
- Widening the road and adding designated road shoulder parking
- Free shuttle service from Nederland High School on summer weekends and holidays
- New regulatory parking signage
- Increased parking enforcement
Meetings and feedback
Three public events will be held to answer questions and collect comments from interested residents and visitors. Comments may besubmitted online until May 11.
- Public Meeting
Tuesday, April 24, 6 p.m.
Nederland High School library, 597 County Road 130
- Open House
Tuesday, May 8, 4:30-7 p.m.
Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder
- Commissioners’ Public Hearing
Tuesday, May 22, 2 p.m.
Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder
For more information, including the project overview and history, meeting schedules, online comment form and contact information, visit www.HessieTrailhead.com.
Boulder County to air decisions on oil and gas
Apr 5th
Boulder County, Colo. – The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on April 16 to further evaluate oil and gas development in unincorporated Boulder County.
What: Public meeting on oil and gas development
When: Monday, April 16 at 4 p.m.
Where: Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, third floor, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder
The meeting will also be streamed live at www.bouldercounty.org/gov/meetings/pages/hearings.aspx.
NOTE: The public is welcome to attend, and additional staff information may be presented, but public testimony will not be taken at this meeting. Comments were received in-person at a public hearing on March 1 and in writing for weeks prior to the hearing.
Background
On Feb. 2 the commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on the processing of the required development plans for local oil and gas permits under the county Land Use Code (Resolution 2012-16) and released a statement detailing their concerns about the potential for significantly expanded oil and gas drilling within the county.
At the conclusion of the four-hour public hearing on March 1, the commissioners directed staff to continue gathering information about the impacts of oil and gas drilling on air, water, land, roads and infrastructure.
Boulder County remains concerned about the potential for significantly expanded oil and gas drilling within the county, and supports appropriate, tighter restrictions on drilling and increased local control to mitigate the impacts of these activities. While the county endeavors to ensure its Comprehensive Plan and Land Use regulations are as thorough and up-to-date as possible, the moratorium will remain in place and could be extended if necessary.
The meeting on April 16 will allow the commissioners to:
- Discuss the information presented by staff and consider public comments made at the March hearing
- Provide direction to staff for pursuing amendments to the county Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code or take other appropriate actions
- Make any additional necessary decisions regarding the nature and duration of the temporary moratorium
Visit www.bouldercounty.org/dept/landuse/pages/oilgas.aspx for more information.