Today on Colorado Edition: After years of litigation, a settlement was announced in Denver today that would help protect people experiencing homelessness — we speak with the case's lead council about the outcome. Plus, we learn about the tension surrounding recreational trails in Steamboat Springs in our return to KUNC's ongoing Growing Pains series. We'll also explore a health facility in Boulder that is offering a warmer approach to mental health services, and hear a conversation with the hosts of the NPR Politics Podcast, Asma Khalid and Tamara Keith.
News Of The Day:
- Water Infrastructure Grants - Three Northern Colorado towns are set to receive millions in federal funds to upgrade water infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a round of federal grants and loans to Estes Park, Wiggins and Peetz on the state’s Eastern Plains. Estes Park will receive $1.3 million to replace water lines along Big Thompson Avenue. Peetz is receiving $1.3 million to construct a new wastewater pond for sewage treatment. The town’s current wastewater treatment does not comply with state guidelines. Wiggins will get nearly $10 million in grants and loans to fund major wastewater treatment improvements. Its current system is also violating health and sanitary standards.
- FAA Grants - The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded five Colorado airports $7.6 million in infrastructure grants. Denver International is among airports receiving grants. DIA is getting $1.3 million to reduce aircraft emissions.
- E-Scooters In Fort Collins - E-scooters will soon be hitting the streets in Fort Collins. The Coloradoan reports the one-year pilot program is expected to launch Oct. 14. Scooters will be available in the downtown area and on Colorado State University’s campus. The city has contracted with an unnamed company to scatter 250 electric scooters throughout those areas. Riders typically rent a scooter through a smartphone app.
Denver Homeless Class-Action
Three years ago, Jason Flores-Williams filed a class action lawsuit against the city and county of Denver over their practice of removing personal property from people experiencing homelessness during sweeps of public places. Today, the U.S. District court of Colorado gave final approval of the class action settlement for that lawsuit. We spoke with Flores-Williams about the case ahead of today’s announcement.
Growing Pains: Steamboat Springs - Part 1
Colorado is growing, and that's leading to all kinds of tension across our state. This week — as part of our ongoing Growing Pains series — we're exploring how Steamboat Springs is meeting the challenge. KUNC's Luke Runyon starts things off with the story of a trail proposal that has exposed deep divides within the city's recreational community.
A New Mental Health Approach In Boulder
Boulder Community Health, a health system with eleven clinics in and around Boulder, has changed the way they provide care to patients by integrating mental health services into their clinics. To learn more, we spoke with the Colorado Sun's Jennifer Brown, who originally reported about it.
NPR Politics
Ahead of their live event last Saturday night in Boulder, Asma Khalid and Tamara Keith, co-hosts of the NPR Politics Podcast, sat down with us to discuss politics in Colorado and around the country.
You can listen to an extended version of the interview here.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:
- "Inessential" by Bayou Birds
- "Take a Tiny Train" by Ray Catcher
- "Turning on the Lights" by Speakeasy
- "The Zeppelin" by Aeronaut
- "Gaena" by Azalai
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. News director Catherine Welch and managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a daily news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.