The $787 billion dollars President Obama signed into law in February, as a Federal stimulus package, are working their way into the Roaring Fork Valley. I've done a handful of stories on where the dollars are going. It seems though, the money must move over a few hurdles before it can be put to use.
The stimulus money going to the Aspen School District must be spent in two specific Federal programs, that were already set up. So, the money will flow through the Title One and IDEA program, for special education. The Roaring Fork School District fears the money may not be able to fund new positions, because of limitations. The money needs to be spent over two years, so the concern is that no one will want to come on board and work for such a short period of time.
Health and Human Services Departments in the Valley will get a stimulus chunk. They want to expand programs they've already started locally, that help prepare people to seek out jobs or change careers. Garfield County's Human Services Director is unsure though, the money will help lift the County out of the place its reached due to the recession. The amount of Food Stamps given out in April is 40% more than the amount given during the same month last year.
So while the Stimulus is flowing into programs and services in schools and County governments, it will not completely quell the recession, but keep it at bay and support some people who may need a lift.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Dust on Snow
It's hard not to notice the dust accumulating on the peaks surrounding Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Valley. On this beautiful Spring day, I drove from Aspen to Basalt and noticed what looked like dirty chalk on the mountain peaks. It's one thing to look at the dust on snow, it's quite another if it begins to negatively impact people living in the Valley.
Chris Landry from the Silverton-based Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies, says the dust makes the snow melt faster because it absorbs solar radiation. He said the snowpack on McClure Pass is already gone and snow on the peaks around Marble are melting quickly. He and his team recently visited these areas and took core samples of snow, which had reddish rings where the dust had settled.
With the quick snowmelt, comes a rapid spring runoff, which could limit the amount of time reservoir managers have to gather water and irrigators may get their biggest dose of water at the wrong time. Landry said it's all about timing and if the water flows sooner than is typical, there could be some issues. A prediction from the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center says the Colorado River in Grand Junction will peak Thursday. That's about three weeks ahead of what is typical.
So, unfortunately, the visual of dust on snow is just the small part. The eye-catching reddish-brown act of nature has far-reaching impacts.
Chris Landry from the Silverton-based Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies, says the dust makes the snow melt faster because it absorbs solar radiation. He said the snowpack on McClure Pass is already gone and snow on the peaks around Marble are melting quickly. He and his team recently visited these areas and took core samples of snow, which had reddish rings where the dust had settled.
With the quick snowmelt, comes a rapid spring runoff, which could limit the amount of time reservoir managers have to gather water and irrigators may get their biggest dose of water at the wrong time. Landry said it's all about timing and if the water flows sooner than is typical, there could be some issues. A prediction from the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center says the Colorado River in Grand Junction will peak Thursday. That's about three weeks ahead of what is typical.
So, unfortunately, the visual of dust on snow is just the small part. The eye-catching reddish-brown act of nature has far-reaching impacts.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Happy Cinco De Mayo and Aspenites: go and vote!
Today marks two significant events in our Valley: Cinco De Mayo and the Spring election in Aspen.
Cinco De Mayo in the Valley likely means celebrations at homes and in restaurants--That's possibly more than what Mexicans in their home country might experience. The Washington Post reports, due to the Swine Flu, the Mexican Embassy canceled the mariachis that were booked for its Cinco de Mayo celebration and no margaritas will be served, just wine. So to those living in the Roaring Fork Valley, enjoy your freedom and exercise it too. Go and vote if you live in Aspen. The polls are open from 7AM to 7PM and three issues are on the line: a new mayor, two new Council members, and a question on whether or not to sell City land to the Aspen Art Museum. If you're unsure where to vote, contact the City Clerk's office. Now, I'm going to go vote!
Cinco De Mayo in the Valley likely means celebrations at homes and in restaurants--That's possibly more than what Mexicans in their home country might experience. The Washington Post reports, due to the Swine Flu, the Mexican Embassy canceled the mariachis that were booked for its Cinco de Mayo celebration and no margaritas will be served, just wine. So to those living in the Roaring Fork Valley, enjoy your freedom and exercise it too. Go and vote if you live in Aspen. The polls are open from 7AM to 7PM and three issues are on the line: a new mayor, two new Council members, and a question on whether or not to sell City land to the Aspen Art Museum. If you're unsure where to vote, contact the City Clerk's office. Now, I'm going to go vote!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Instant Runoff Voting: Anyone Can Do It
Tomorrow the City of Aspen will use the Instant Runoff Voting method. It's an innovative step considering the method is not widely used, and the system has never been used in Aspen. The idea is hard to explain. A visual aid is the best tool to understand it. There is a pamphlet online, and anyone with PDF capabilities can get to it. Log onto aspenpitkin.com, then click on "Instant Runoff Voting," finally click on "Instant Runoff Voting Brochure."
The brochure lists "fake" candidates such as, Colonel Mustard and Greta Greenwood. You can fill out the ovals on the brochure for a practice run before you go to the polls. City Clerk, Kathryn Koch told me, the most important thing for voters to remember is to rank as many candidates as possible, and fill in as many ovals as is comfortable: the more the better. And everyone's vote counts! Now, get out and vote!
The brochure lists "fake" candidates such as, Colonel Mustard and Greta Greenwood. You can fill out the ovals on the brochure for a practice run before you go to the polls. City Clerk, Kathryn Koch told me, the most important thing for voters to remember is to rank as many candidates as possible, and fill in as many ovals as is comfortable: the more the better. And everyone's vote counts! Now, get out and vote!
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