Permanent Repairs for Flood Dmaaged Roads Could Take Four Years

Colorado transportation officials say it could take up to four years to make the permanent repairs needed to fix highways damaged by September floods. The magnitude of the task is still being assessed while highway managers consider the types of technological and engineering changes they need to make to keep 485 miles of damaged roadway less vulnerable to mass flooding. According to the Denver Post, construction crews made a Dec. 1 deadline to get 27 highways reopen, but a lot of work remains to be done.

Broomfield Fracking Vote Recount Underway

A recount of Broomfield's fracking vote is underway amid criticism from Secretary of State Scott Gessler about how the city handled the state's new voter registration law. The count is expected to wrap up Wednesday. The first count showed the measure passing by 17 votes, close enough to trigger a recount.
Gessler said last week the county counted ballots from people who were ineligible to vote and rejected ballots from legitimate voters. Broomfield officials say 18 ballots weren't counted the first time because the voters didn't affirm that they met the residency requirement.

Sterling's new water system is flowing

Sterling's new water system is flowing. The new reverse osmosis treatment plant is officially online, and public works officials said although it will take a while for the treated water to circulate into the city's water storage tanks, so far, the water is safe to drink. Testing for the contaminants which prompted the new treatment system is ongoing and will continue until levels reach EPA regulations, but officials said the plant is on track for the enforcement order deadline, which is January 2014.
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The Christmas shopping season is underway

The Christmas shopping season is underway. And like Black Friday, thousands are gearing up for Cyber Monday, when the focus turns to online deals. Just as Black Friday debuted early with some retailers opening their doors Thanksgiving day, some online stores started Cyber Monday deals yesterday, and even as early as Saturday. The Cyber Monday “Sunday” crowd included JC Penney, Walmart, who got things jumpin' on Saturday, and Target. Target is holding a Cyber Week.
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It could take years to repair highways damaged by September floods

Colorado transportation officials say it could take up to four years to make the permanent repairs needed to fix highways damaged by September floods. The magnitude of the task is still being assessed while highway managers consider the types of technological and engineering changes they need to make to keep 485 miles of damaged roadway less vulnerable to mass flooding. According to the Denver Post, construction crews made a Dec. 1 deadline to get 27 highways reopen, but a lot of work remains to be done.
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A Western Slope water task force is urging Front Range water users to find other sources

A Western Slope water task force is urging Front Range water users to find other sources to meet projected water shortages. The Colorado roundtable is one of nine groups set up by the state Legislature eight years ago. It holds monthly meetings and has 37 members representing various interests, including agriculture, water utilities, environmental concerns, recreational users, and federal and state agencies. According to the Aspen Times, members of the Colorado River Basin Roundtable say the Front Range already relies too much on their water.
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It's business as usual today for several Durango locations, shutdown after a mercury scare, last week

It's business as usual today for several Durango locations, shutdown after a mercury scare, last week. The Durango Transit Center, Durango Public Library, Durango Community Shelter, Town Plaza Coin Laundry, and Manna Soup Kitchen had to be evacuated after dangerous mercury levels leaked from containers in a backpack. Several people had to be decontaminated. The Detox center of La Plata County remains closed. Mercury can be poisonous if it becomes a vapor and is inhaled.
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