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Colorado - Wed. 05/07/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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NASA’S ORION DESIGNED IN LITTLETON IS READY FOR ARTEMIS 2026 LAUNCH
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The Orion spacecraft set to carry astronauts for NASA’s practice run to bring humans back to the moon is fully assembled, Lockheed Martin announced Thursday. The spacecraft built for the Artemis II mission scheduled to launch in 2026 was designed by Lockheed Martin engineers, many of which are based in the defense and space contractor’s Littleton campus near Waterton Canyon. Lockheed Martin built the crew module, crew module adapter and the launch abort system on Orion, which is set to carry four astronauts. The spacecraft was assembled and tested in Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, though some parts were tested in Littleton as well. With completion, Lockheed Martin has given the reins of the spacecraft to NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems this week. NASA contracted with Lockheed Martin to build Orion spacecraft up to the eighth Artemis mission.
Nearly 100 companies in Colorado are supporting the Artemis missions, as the state is one of the top contributors to the nation's lunar campaign. NASA contracted with more than 90 Colorado companies for the Moon to Mars missions and it’s expected to generate 14,600 jobs statewide and $3 billion in economic output. The second Artemis mission will be a 10-day journey flying past the moon and back to Earth as astronauts test Orion’s communication and navigation systems and conduct science experiments. They’ll also practice docking that will be required for Artemis III, the mission where astronauts will go to the moon for the first time since 1972. Last October, NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen visited Lockheed Martin’s Colorado facility to practice opening and closing an Orion model’s hatch.
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DOORDASH BUYS DELIVEROO FOR $3.86 BILLION
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DoorDash struck a deal to acquire British food-delivery company Deliveroo for around 2.9 billion pounds ($3.86 billion) following an initial approach last month, in a move aimed at increasing DoorDash’s global presence. San Francisco-based DoorDash plans to pay shareholders 180 pence in cash for each share they hold. That represents a premium of around 44 percent over Deliveroo’s closing price of 125 pence on April 4, prior to DoorDash’s offer letter. DoorDash said the terms of the acquisition were final and wouldn’t be increased. The combined group will have a global presence in over 40 countries, serving around 50 million monthly active users, the companies said. In 2024, the two companies together generated a total gross order value of $90 billion. Deliveroo’s biggest markets are the U.K. and Ireland, and it also operates in Belgium, France, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
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SKI-RACING LEGEND MIKAELA SHIFFRIN JOINS DENVER NWSL OWNERSHIP GROUP
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Ski racing legend Mikaela Shiffrin is joining the Denver National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) ownership group, the club announced on the team's website Tuesday. The most decorated alpine skier in history and a proud Coloradan, Shiffrin becomes the latest high-profile investor in the NWSL expansion team set to begin play in 2026. “I’m beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home,” Shiffrin said. Shiffrin, with her 101 World Cup victories, is also a two-time Olympic champion, eight-time world champion, and five-time overall World Cup champion. Denver NWSL is Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team. The club announced a 12,000-seat temporary stadium and state-of-the-art performance center in Centennial and has plans to build a permanent home in Denver’s urban core.
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REAL ID IS HERE, COLORADO IS READY
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Two decades after becoming law, and following years of delays, travelers headed to Denver International Airport can expect to need a REAL ID. Most Coloradans are already prepared for the new federal security requirement, adopted in the wake of 9/11 and effective Wednesday, after state officials implemented the change to driver’s licenses at the end of 2012. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem told a congressional panel Tuesday that 81 percent of American travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements, which are designed to create a more secure form of identification. In Colorado, that number is closer to 96 percent. As of April 2025, more than 4.6 million of the 4.9 million active driver’s licenses and permits issued by the Colorado DMV were REAL ID compliant.
It’s unknown how many Colorado residents don’t have licenses and how many who moved here recently are holding onto old licenses from other states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were roughly 4.9 million people living in Colorado in 2023 who were at least 15 years old and eligible for a state license or permit. That number has likely grown. REAL IDs in Colorado are marked with a star in the upper right corner. If they were issued before 2020, the star was gold. IDs issued after 2020 have a black star. Passengers without a REAL ID may be diverted to a different line or go through extra security. REAL IDs are also needed to access certain federal buildings and facilities.
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73RD ANNUAL RALLYE GLENWOOD SPRINGS, JUNE 6-8
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The MG Car Club – Rocky Mountain Centre has announced the 73rd running of the Rallye Glenwood Springs, June 6-8. The Rallye Glenwood Springs is the nation’s longest-running continually held car rallye. This three-day event is fun for beginners and experts alike, and everyone from dyed-in-the-wool car nuts to those new to the hobby are welcome. Events include the signature time-speed-distance rallye, a scavenger hunt driving tour, car show, and the funkhana precision car control competition. The Friday Rallye Glenwood Springs departs from a new location this year: Great Scotts Eatery, 1295 Cortez St., Denver. This is on the north side of Denver and benefits participants coming in from that direction. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and the first car leaves at 8:01 a.m. Register for RGS at mgccrmc.regfox.com/2025-rallye-glenwood-springs. For more information, call 303-827-6226 or email keith.kerr.2025RGS@gmail.com.
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MAROON BELLS HAS CHALLENGING SUMMER OUTLOOK
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The White River National Forest, faced with a $380,000 budget shortfall for Maroon Bells Scenic Area, is considering new fees and leaning on local partners, all amid major staffing shortages and fiscal challenges. Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner told the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners Tuesday that staffing and capacity in the district and in the WRNF are at a fraction of normal levels. Before 2025, the 2.3 million-acre WRNF had 146 employees, and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District had 28. By the end of May, WRNF will have 102 employees and the Aspen-Sopris district will have 17, respective decreases of 30 percent and 39 percent. The Maroon Bells, set to open May 15 to the public, attracts 200,000 to 250,000 visitors annually, mostly in the summer.
Deputy District Ranger Jennifer Shuller said they are considering a $5 e-bike fee to bring in $40,500 annually. With annual shuttle revenues at just $79,000, parking/drive-ups/motorcycle fee revenues at just $143,00 and seasonal expenses calculated at $600,000 with deferred maintenance, the Forest Service is short $380,000. The fee is likely to be implemented in the 2026 season. They are also evaluating options like stopping water service to the Maroon Bells or not opening the bunker bathrooms. The Aspen-Sopris district contains five wilderness areas covering over 300,000 acres of land. Warner quantified wilderness crew staffing loss to about one-third of past capacity. The wilderness areas average 3,400 daily visitors and 2,000 overnight users. Trails crews with the Aspen-Sopris district work with about 500 miles of trails. Warner said they lost 50 percent staff capacity within this group.
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MIDWIFERY SYMPOSIUM AUG. 8 AT GJ'S ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL
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The American College of Nurse Midwives’ Colorado chapter will host a Midwifery Symposium on Aug. 8 at Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction. With the event months away, event organizers are still seeking financial sponsors and donations for their silent auction. According to a press release, more than half the babies born in Mesa County were delivered by a midwife. Tickets are also available for those in the midwife industry looking to collaborate and expand their expertise. Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating a silent auction item can email HeatherOMeara@gmail.com with the subject line, “AUCTION ITEM.”
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SPRING RUNOFF IS STARTING EARLY IN THE SAN JUANS
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With spring runoff season arriving in full force, Colorado’s snowpack may leave much to be desired, and local basins fared particularly poorly this season. In a typical season, much of Colorado’s snowpack comes from major storms in January and February, but this year, snowfall did not reach usual averages, although snow early in the season helped somewhat protect local snowpack. After peaking in April at around 75 percent of median, the snow water equivalent in the San Miguel-Dolores-Animas-San Juan River Basin is at 30 percent of median for this time of year, largely due to faster than normal snowmelt in recent weeks. San Miguel is faring better than most of the rest in the local area at 54 percent of median. The fast snowmelt will mean that peak levels will be earlier than normal. With runoff season starting, Montrose-based USDA resource conservationist Casey Harrison encouraged people to practice efficient irrigation techniques to conserve water.
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INTERIM LA PLATA COUNTY MANAGER NAMED AS SEARCH BEGINS
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La Plata County commissioners on Tuesday named Kevin Hall, the deputy county manager, to serve as interim county manager beginning May 31. County Manager Chuck Stevens announced last month that he had accepted a job in Maryland and would resign his position effective June 10. According to a plan to search for Stevens’ successor, the county hopes to have three finalists identified by August, and a new manager hired sometime in September. Hall has spent about 30 years in the public sector between the county and the city of Durango. In December 2022, Hall was recruited by Stevens to temporarily take over leadership of the county’s Community Development Dept. Six months later, Stevens hired Hall to be his deputy.
Hall declined to speculate about whether he would apply for the county manager position in a permanent capacity. The county manager is the chief administrative officer for the organization who manages its departments and divisions and reports directly to the BOCC. The recommended salary range is $186,000 to $230,000. The county will post the position Friday, and the application will remain open for one month.
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VAIL TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES 268-UNIT WEST MIDDLE CREEK PROJECT
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The Vail Town Council, in a special session on Monday, approved the creation of 268 new town-owned rental units on a parcel of undeveloped land on the north side of North Frontage Road. The project will be located between the Middle Creek apartment complex and Red Sandstone Elementary School, and will consist of 84 studios, 100 one-bedroom and 48 two-bedroom units spread across three buildings. Construction is expected to begin this summer. The project requires a complicated funding mechanism, which includes the sale of revenue bonds that went on sale on Tuesday. The council approved the sale of up to $145 million in bonds at an interest rate not to exceed 7.5 percent — sold through the nonprofit Vail Home Partners, which was created in an effort to fund the West Middle Creek project.
The other major funding source will come from the town taking on $63.2 million in debt via certificate of participation bonds, which have a higher interest rate than general obligation bonds. The town will contribute roughly $10 million to the project. Tuesday’s pricing for the revenue bonds and certificate of participation bonds was strong, with investors placing $2.5 billion of orders for $189 million total. The town says the project will cover its own debt and create an additional $88 million over the 40-year term.
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FREE WOOD CHIPPING MAY 10 IN HAYDEN
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A free tree and wood chipping day will be hosted Saturday, May 10, south of Hayden presented by nonprofit Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council and the Town of Hayden. The goal is to help land and homeowners reduce wildfire fuels on their property. Logs and branches up to 6 inches in diameter will be chipped, and large wood can be left for a burn pile. The free wood chipping event will be hosted 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the racetrack on Routt County Road 53, south of Hayden. For questions, contact the wildfire council at info@routtwildfire.org. The event is part of the larger Hayden Clean Up Day with more information on the town’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/coloradohayden.
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SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO FARMERS EXPECT A THIRD OF THEIR NORMAL WATER SUPPLY FOLLOWING DRY WINTER
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Ken Curtis, a water manager in southwestern Colorado, had two words to describe his district’s expected water supply this summer: “Pretty bad.” “(We’re) looking at about 30 percent, maybe 35 percent supply,” said Curtis, who manages the Dolores Water Conservancy District. Water managers across Colorado and the West are looking at this winter’s snowfall and weather forecasts to plan for summer water supplies, whether it’s using water for gardens, lawns, fisheries, crops or livestock. The conditions vary widely at the local level. In some parts of Colorado, like Denver, the winter provided enough snow to fill reservoirs and avoid extra restrictions. Curtis hoped to at least give water users in his district half of their normal supply for the season, he said. The district sends irrigation water to farmers, the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, a nearby fishery and communities like Cortez and Dove Creek. “It’s not going to happen,” he said.
- Across Colorado, the snowpack peaked lower in major river basins than the 30-year median, according to federal data from 1991 to 2020. The peaks were often earlier than usual, and the snowpack is melting quickly — several weeks earlier than the norm in some areas.
- Western Colorado is a key water source for the Colorado River Basin, where rivers and streams send water into an immense reservoir, Lake Powell. This year, the forecasted flow of water into Lake Powell has dropped repeatedly, which has many water managers on edge. The Colorado River Basin provides water to 40 million people and the farms that grow most of the country’s winter vegetables.
- In January, staff at the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center calculated about 5.5 million acre-feet of water would flow into Powell. One acre-foot roughly equals the annual water use of two to three households.
- As of Monday, the forecast center expected 3.5 million acre-feet of water to reach the reservoir. That’s 55 percent of the annual average from 1991 to 2020.
- The snowpack was much closer to normal in the headwaters of the Colorado River itself. This region — near Fraser and Grand Lake — is also where tunnels divert water from the Colorado River Basin and send it east to faucets, treatment plants and irrigation systems for millions of Front Range residents.
- Northeastern Colorado cities, farms and other water users are set to get 70 percent of their usual water supply from the Colorado River Basin, according to the Northern Water Conservancy District.
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MARKET UPDATE - 05/06/2025 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 05/01/2025)
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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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