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Colorado - Fri. 03/27/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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TRUMP ANNOUNCES PLAN TO PAY TSA AGENTS AMID SPRING TRAVEL SURGE
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President Trump said he would sign an executive order to temporarily pay Transportation Security Administration workers; a move aimed at stabilizing airport operations as millions of travelers prepare for spring break and long security lines strain airports nationwide. Unpaid TSA agents have increasingly called in sick during the funding lapse, contributing to extended wait times and flight delays at major hubs. The administration said the order would direct the Dept. of Homeland Security to free up funds to ensure agents remain on the job while Congress continues negotiations over long-term funding.
Senate leaders described the action as a short-term step to relieve immediate pressure on airports, with federal officials warning that staffing disruptions could worsen without intervention. The move comes as airport authorities explore additional measures, including temporary staffing support, to keep security checkpoints moving and reduce delays for travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
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DENVER AREA SMOKE BLOWING IN FROM NEBRASKA FIRES
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Smoke from wildfires burning in western Nebraska drifted into the Denver area Thursday afternoon, creating a thick haze and prompting health complaints from some residents, according to the National Weather Service. The smoke originated from the Ashby and Minor fires in Nebraska’s Sandhills and began moving southwest across Colorado earlier in the day, reaching the metro area around 4 p.m. NWS officials said the haze was expected to linger through the evening and overnight before clearing by Friday morning as stronger winds move into the Front Range. The Nebraska fires have burned more than 66,000 acres combined. It marked the second consecutive day smoke affected the Denver area, following a separate advisory Wednesday night tied to the 24 fire southwest of Colorado Springs, which officials said remained 61 percent contained and did not grow despite high temperatures.
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FEDS NEED 1.7 MILLION ACRE-FEET TO SAVE LAKE POWELL THIS YEAR
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Federal river managers must conserve about 1.7 million acre-feet of water in Lake Powell this year to keep the reservoir from dropping below levels needed to generate hydropower, according to Bureau of Reclamation projections. Officials warned that record-low snowpack could push Powell below turbine elevations before August, forcing releases through bypass tubes not designed for sustained use and risking damage that could halt downstream flows. To prevent that outcome, federal officials can either move water from upstream reservoirs or reduce releases to Lower Basin states.
Upper Basin states, including Colorado, argue that upstream reservoirs alone cannot supply enough water and that cuts to downstream deliveries are necessary to protect the system and preserve backup supplies. Flaming Gorge, Navajo and Blue Mesa reservoirs could contribute water, though only Flaming Gorge is large enough to supply the full amount, and only by drawing it down significantly. Federal officials plan to decide on emergency operations by April 24, as states continue negotiating short-term river management rules beyond 2026.
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DENVER’S 97-YEAR-OLD CITY PARK BANDSTAND A TOTAL LOSS AFTER OVERNIGHT FIRE
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Denver’s historic City Park bandstand, a 1929 structure that hosted nearly a century of concerts, festivals, weddings and community gatherings, was destroyed by an overnight fire and deemed a total loss, city officials said Thursday. Denver Fire Dept. crews were called to the scene at 2:40 a.m. and found the bandshell fully engulfed in flames, according to Division Chief Robert Murphy. Fire investigators are still working through the debris and said they are a way out from determining the cause, though Murphy noted it was suspicious the fire started in the middle of the night.
City Park Jazz officials confirmed the destruction in a social media post, saying the loss comes as the free concert series prepares to celebrate its 40th season this summer, with opening night scheduled for June 7. Organizers said they are committed to moving forward and are working with the city on options. Denver Parks and Recreation said it will review permits and coordinate with affected groups on rescheduling, relocation or refunds. A neighborhood advocacy group launched a restoration fund as residents mourned the loss of a beloved landmark.
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WOLF ACTIVITY CONDENSES IN NORTHWEST COLORADO AS ONE WOLF EXPLORES IN THE SOUTH
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Colorado’s collared gray wolf activity has tightened into pockets of northwest and southwest Colorado as denning season begins, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s March activity map covering Feb. 24 through March 24. The map shows most activity concentrated across watersheds in Rio Blanco, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties, with expanded movement west toward the Utah border and north toward Wyoming compared with February. Parks and Wildlife also documented a single wolf moving through watersheds in southwest Colorado near Durango and along the New Mexico border, similar to activity reported earlier this year.
Limited activity was recorded near the Front Range, though the agency said no wolves crossed Interstate 25 or spent time near urban centers. The update comes as denning season begins and as the agency continues monitoring pack stability following recent wolf deaths, including the loss of both adult wolves in the King Mountain Pack. Parks and Wildlife said it has not confirmed any new breeding pairs this spring and is working with livestock producers to deploy deterrents in areas with localized wolf activity.
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PITKIN COUNTY TO SECURE $9.6 MILLION FOR AIRPORT RUNWAY DESIGN
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Pitkin County is preparing to accept a $9.6 million Federal Aviation Administration grant originally allocated to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the funding set to be used for runway design work before it expires. Airport officials told commissioners the money, provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, must be spent within five years, making runway design the first priority. The planned work includes shifting the runway 80 feet west, widening it to 150 feet and increasing separation from the taxiway to meet FAA standards.
While major construction closures are not expected until April 2027, enabling projects such as relocating Owl Creek Road are scheduled to begin this summer. The runway and terminal modernization project is estimated to cost about $575 million, with county officials expecting much of the runway portion to be covered by federal grants. Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution and will consider final grant acceptance in early April.
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BASALT MOVES FORWARD WITH AUTOMATED CAMERA SYSTEMS ON HWY. 82
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Basalt Town Council approved a second reading of an ordinance allowing automated speed enforcement cameras along Hwy. 82, advancing the measure on a 6-1 vote after previously unanimous support. Councilor Hannah Berman opposed the ordinance, citing concerns raised by residents about privacy and the potential for federal authorities to access driver data, even though the contract limits data sharing unless legally mandated. The cameras will be installed at four locations near Original Road and Two Rivers Road and will be operated by DACRA Tech, not Flock Safety, with images captured only when vehicles exceed a speed threshold that has not yet been set.
Police Chief Aaron Munch said the system provides a public safety benefit by acting as a force multiplier and argued that data from traditional traffic stops is more accessible to federal authorities than data from the automated system. Police data showed 430 traffic incidents and 562 reckless driving reports near the intersections from 2021 to 2025. Installation will require state approval, followed by a 30-day warning period before $40 citations are issued.
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A ‘TRUE AMENITY,’ THE LAUNDROMAT IS BACK
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The Laundromat at Lawson Hill reopened March 11 after a small January fire caused smoke damage that forced the self-service laundry facility to close for two months, giving owners the opportunity to complete long planned upgrades. Managing partner Meagan Preece said the fire burned a limited area but required extensive cleanup, resulting in a full makeover that included new washers and dryers and improved equipment. The facility now offers 11 washers ranging from 18- to 55-pound capacity and nine dryers ranging from 35 to 75 pounds, along with familiar amenities such as free Wi Fi, 24-hour access, vending machines, and payment options that include quarters and credit cards. Preece emphasized the importance of keeping laundry services local in a small mountain town, noting that The Laundromat and its sister business, Telluride Eco Cleaners, are the only operations of their kind in the area and play a key role for residents, workers, visitors and property managers.
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PURGATORY RESORT ANNOUNCES CLOSING DAY, END-OF-SEASON CELEBRATION
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Purgatory Resort announced it will close for the 2025-26 ski season on Sunday, one week earlier than originally planned, citing above average heat that has rapidly melted the mountain’s snowpack. Resort officials said the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary as warm temperatures accelerated spring conditions. Despite limited snowfall and persistent warmth, Purgatory completed a 127 day season, marking its 60th year of operation. To celebrate, the resort will host the Purgatory Beach Ruckus on closing day, featuring a rail jam near the Village Express Lift from noon to 2 p.m., DJ sets, foam machines, a costume contest, face painting, a photo booth, $2 drafts and food specials. The celebration will culminate with a 3 p.m. color throw, when participants toss brightly colored powder into the air to mark the end of the season in Durango style.
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SPRING RUNOFF FLOWS REACHING LEVELS USUALLY SEEN A MONTH LATER
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Unusually warm temperatures and dry conditions across the Yampa Valley are accelerating snowmelt and pushing spring runoff to levels typically seen in late April, raising concerns about water supplies, conservation restrictions and river recreation this summer. Area water managers report creeks and rivers are running nearly a month ahead of average, prompting ranchers to activate irrigation ditches weeks early and forcing utilities to adjust operations to protect reservoir levels. Fish Creek, Steamboat Springs’ primary water source, is flowing at rates normally recorded in mid-April, increasing the likelihood of earlier reservoir releases and shifting reliance to secondary water sources.
Officials warn that low snowpack could leave reservoirs underfilled, springs weaker and tributaries running low much earlier than normal, increasing the chance the city will enter more restrictive Stage 3 water conservation rules. City and water district officials are also preparing for frequent Yampa River closures this season, with anticipated impacts to recreation and the local economy.
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SIN TAX BINGO COMES TO FRUITA FOR FARM ANNIVERSARY PARTY
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Rocky Mountain PBS will host a free, interactive Sin Tax Bingo event during the FARM Fruita Anniversary Party, offering community members a fun way to learn how everyday purchases help fund schools, parks and local services in Mesa County. The Fruita Community Edition of Sin Tax Bingo will feature multiple bingo sessions throughout the afternoon and evening, with prizes for winners, and is open to the public at no cost. The event will take place Saturday, March 28, at 158 S. Park Square in downtown Fruita, with bingo games scheduled at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit online at the link below.
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GJEP ECONOMIC REPORT DETAILS THE YEAR THAT WAS — AND PROJECTS THE FUTURE TO COME
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The Grand Junction Economic Partnership released its 2025 economic impact report, outlining the organization’s contribution to Mesa County’s economy last year and projecting how population growth and sector trends could shape the region through the next decade. The report highlights rising capital investment, wage growth above the county average, and long-term job projections tied to business relocations and expansions, while also identifying industries expected to grow or decline as net migration increases.
- Total economic impact in Mesa County in 2025: $194.9 million
- Employment impact: $56.8 million
- Capital investment impact: $48.15 million
- Capital expenditure impact: $91.3 million
- Capital expenditures increased from $1 million in 2022 to $48.15 million in 2025
- Average salary at GJEP-supported companies rose from $65,244 in 2022 to $68,344 in 2025
- Mesa County average annual wage in 2025: $56,524
- Net jobs created in 2025: 224
- Potential jobs projected: 943, largely tied to Morgan Mining’s planned relocation and long-term hiring
- Net migration to Mesa County increased 80 percent between 2019 and 2023
- Net migration projected to rise from 1,476 in 2024 to 3,037 by 2036
- Health care and social assistance jobs projected to grow 18 percent by 2035
- Government employment projected to increase 13 percent by 2035
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CDOT ROAD WORK PROJECTS UNDERWAY FROM PALISADE TO THE REDLANDS
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Multiple Colorado Dept. of Transportation projects are underway or scheduled to begin this year across the Grand Junction area, from Palisade to the Redlands, bringing extended construction impacts but long-term improvements to roads, sidewalks and safety features. CDOT officials said drivers should expect ongoing delays, lane closures and detours, particularly in downtown Grand Junction, and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible as work progresses through 2026.
- I-70 Business Loop Reconstruction: Work continues along Pitkin and Ute avenues from Third Street to Sixth Street, including sidewalk, drainage, lighting, traffic signal, landscaping and utility upgrades, with new sidewalks added near Whitman Park. Traffic impacts will continue through the project, which is expected to wrap up later this year or in early 2027, with future phases planned pending funding.
- Palisade U.S. 6 Roundabout: Construction is underway at the U.S. Hwy. 6 and Elberta Avenue intersection, which is currently closed, to build a new roundabout along with utility, sidewalk and curb improvements. The project will convert two frontage roads to one way travel and add bike and pedestrian paths, with completion expected by the end of the year.
- Colorado Hwy. 340 Resurfacing: Hwy. 340 through the Redlands is being resurfaced, including work on bridges over the Colorado River and railroad tracks. The project includes milling, new asphalt, guardrail installation and bridge deck repairs, with most work occurring at night and completion expected this year.
- U.S. 6 Near Fruita: A resurfacing project between mile points 20 and 26 is scheduled to begin in late July or early August, with nighttime work planned and completion expected this year.
- I-70 Clifton to Horizon Drive: Interstate 70 between mile points 31 and 37 will be resurfaced starting around July, including new asphalt and guardrails, with nighttime work and completion expected this year.
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BRAVO! VAIL ANNOUNCES FREE EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
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Bravo! Vail Music Festival will offer more than 30 free and low-cost concerts and events across the Vail Valley during its 39th season, running June 22 through July 30, expanding community access to live classical music by internationally recognized artists. The Education and Engagement programs highlight the final season of artistic director Anne Marie McDermott and include performances, family programming, discussions and outdoor experiences designed to reach audiences of all ages. All events require reservations, and organizers encourage early planning as space is limited.
- Community Concerts: Fourteen free chamber music concerts and solo recitals held at venues throughout the region, including the Vail Interfaith Chapel, Gypsum Town Council Chambers, Golden Eagle Senior Center, Edwards Interfaith Chapel, Colorado Mountain College in Edwards, Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle and the Tabor Opera House in Leadville. Highlights include eight free two-hour concerts presenting the complete cycle of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas.
- Little Listeners at the Library: Free, 30-minute interactive performances for children ages 2 to 7 at public libraries in Vail, Gypsum, Avon and Eagle, featuring musicians from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Beo String Quartet.
- Inside the Music: Free talks, presentations, artist discussions and master classes offering insight into festival repertoire, including Beethoven’s piano sonatas, led by participating artists.
- Nature Walks: Low cost $20 events pairing live Beethoven performances with guided 45-minute hikes in partnership with Walking Mountains Science Center, led by New York Philharmonic archivist Gabryel Smith.
Reservations are required for all programs and can be made at BravoVail.org or by calling 877-812-5700.
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SUMMIT COUNTY RESORTS START CLOSING TERRAIN AND CONTINUE SPRING EVENTS
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Summit County ski resorts are beginning to scale back terrain as warm March temperatures accelerate snowmelt, though each area is continuing to host spring events and plans to remain open as long as conditions allow. While statewide snowpack sits at about 44 percent of average, resort officials said potential cooler weather and snowfall next week could help extend operations, even as select lifts, runs and peaks close in the coming days.
- Keystone Resort: Closing day is set for April 5. Erickson and Bergman Bowls are already closed, with multiple trails scheduled to close soon. Outback and Wayback will close Sunday, night skiing has ended, and beginner access down the mountain will soon be unavailable. The resort currently has 613 acres and 40 trails open.
- Loveland Ski Area: The top of Lift 4 has closed, and the Ridge Cat will close Sunday. Several black and double black runs are closed, while most of the Valley remains open. Events this weekend include a Big Mountain competition, Backcountry BASECAMP, Toyota Days, Powder7 Demo Days and live music.
- Arapahoe Basin: The Pallavicini area will close after this weekend due to safety concerns from warm temperatures. The scheduled Enduro ski a thon has been reworked into the A Basin Enduro Open, featuring a snow golf competition, barbecue, après party and auction benefiting two local families.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Peaks 9 and 10 will close after this weekend. Connector routes and shuttle service will help maintain access to Peak 8, and special bus routes will run through April 12. Registration is open for the New Worlds Championship on April 18 19.
- Copper Mountain: Seventeen lifts remain open as crews manage snow conditions. Spring events include Slopeside Sips & Sets with live DJs and the USA Snowboard and Freeski Association Nationals from March 28 through April 8.
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MARKET UPDATE - 03/26/2026 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 03/26/2026)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
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