Inefficient Plumbing

Inefficient faucets, toilets and showerheads are closer to becoming illegal in Colorado. The state House approved the phase-out today. The measure would prohibit the sale of low-efficiency plumbing fixtures by 2016. The House still must take a formal vote on the measure, which would make it illegal to sell new faucets, showerheads and toilets that aren't certified by the federal government as efficient "WaterSense" fixtures. The Senate has already passed the bill, so after the House vote, the plumbing measure awaits the governor's signature. Supporters say the bill could help save up to 13 billion gallons of water by 2050. Republicans say it's unnecessary government intrusion.

National Library Week

National Library Week is the week of April 14-19... and the fort Morgan public library has events planned to help celebrate. There will be a traveling “Library Shirt” that will be displayed in five different stores during the week. By identifying where you saw the shirt in downtown stores, you can register for a drawing to win a “new” traveling shirt! The library staff will also offer two trivia games at checkout during the week.

More Fire Assets

The governor's top fire official says Colorado needs more aircraft to spot and fight wildfires sooner, telling lawmakers during a briefing that the state needs "to bring tools to the game." Paul Cooke outlined a plan to lawmakers calling for two spotter planes to detect fires within an hour after the first smoke sighting. Cooke also recommends that the state contract four helicopters and four single-engine tankers to begin fire suppression within an hour of a request from fire chiefs. It won't be cheap, about $22-million in next years' budget. Cooke's suggestions follow historic back-to-back wildfire seasons.

Rainbow Bridge Annexation

Fort Morgan leaders this week decided to annex the area surrounding rainbow bridge -into the city... the city already owned the bridge... but the Fort Morgan Times says city manager Jeff wells said the ordinances gives the city territorial authority over the bridge and the area.

Udall Disaster Recovery

A U.S. Senate bill that could free up more federal money for natural disaster recovery in Colorado is working its way through the Senate. Sen. Mark Udall introduced legislation that would change how the federal government distributes Emergency Watershed Protection program funds. Colorado has used the funds to repair watersheds damaged by wildfires and floods over the past two years. The program is not consistently funded and currently depends on Congress's annual budget for funding approval.