Alamosa County commissioners directed staff to submit an alternative highway access control plan map to the state at their February 25 meeting, following extensive public discussion about CDOT’s proposed restrictions on Highway 160 and 285 corridors. The board also moved forward on Spanish Cemetery property transfer discussions, approved a $19,000 Southwest Conservation Corps agreement, and authorized applications for traffic safety grants totaling up to $200,000.
Alternative Access Control Map Submitted
Commissioners chose to submit an alternative map using federal wildfire risk data instead of state data, which board members and residents argued incorrectly designated irrigated farmland and developed areas as high wildfire risk. The alternative map shows most of Alamosa County as having no risk designation, with small pockets requiring only Class 1 requirements (roof restrictions only).
“The state map has major errors,” Land Use Director Richard Hubler said, noting Zapata was completely missing from state designations and irrigated farmland throughout the county showed high risk ratings.
The access control plan documents CDOT’s approach to highway corridor development, primarily triggered when property redevelopment causes 20 percent or more traffic growth. Key changes include a first-come-first-served approach at the Walmart signal area, where either a railroad crossing signal or three-quarter movement at Del Sol will be allowed—whichever developer comes first.
Several business owners raised concerns during public comment. Eric Burt, owner of Kristi Mountain Sports, said excel and deceleration lanes are needed more than traffic signals, noting that residents sitting in the middle of the highway waiting to turn left creates the most dangerous situation rather than the turn itself.
CDOT has 30 days to review the county’s alternative map. Commissioners scheduled a public work session for March 7 to gather additional community input before making a final adoption decision. The state-mandated April 1 deadline remains in effect.
Spanish Cemetery Transfer Advances
The Spanish Cemetery Association requested the county accept ownership of the two-block cemetery property, citing dwindling board membership. Board President Charlie Garrion said the association has dropped from 8-9 members to just two active members, all original board members having passed away in recent years.
“We can’t get younger family members involved,” Garrion said. “We want to make sure the cemetery doesn’t fall into disrepair like it did in the past.”
The cemetery, established in 1913, serves primarily Hispanic families and currently houses county indigent burials. Records show approximately 10-20 pre-purchased plots may exist, though contact information for purchasers has been lost over decades.
County Attorney Jason Kelly outlined transfer requirements: a title search dating before 1913, reconstitution of the cemetery association board to five members per bylaws, and proper deed execution. The county would maintain the cemetery as an active burial ground with an advisory board appointed after transfer.
A landscape architect is completing a historical preservation plan funded by private donations through the Leiva Foundation, expected to finish in April. No grant applications have been filed for the historical designation work.
Traffic Safety Grants Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved Reina Martinez applying for CDOT traffic safety grants expanding geographic coverage and age ranges. The new grant application seeks $50,000 to $200,000 for programs addressing seatbelt safety, impaired driving, distracted driving, bicycle safety, and pedestrian safety across all ages rather than just youth 13-24.
The expanded program would add Pueblo area and Southeast Colorado counties to current San Luis Valley coverage. Martinez said staff successfully tested Pueblo expansion this year and found the workload manageable. The grant provides 10 percent indirect cost recovery to the county.
The current SLV PROM grant ending in September provided nearly $500,000 over three years, delivering over $50,000 in indirect cost recovery. Last year’s program provided 130 bus tickets to individuals, mostly sending them out of state to locations with family support.
Contract Concerns Delay Peer Support Agreement
Commissioners tabled a $50,000 contract with Blue to Blue peer support services after raising concerns about contract clarity and appearance of impropriety. A commissioner noted Commissioner Van Ry personally established the nonprofit organization and questioned why no competitive process occurred.
“I want that clarified—there is the appearance of impropriety there,” the commissioner said.
County Attorney Kelly identified multiple contract issues: unclear term dates, confusion about whether county or grant funds pay for services, and unclear legal entity name. Blue to Blue, established six months ago to provide 24/7 peer mental health support for first responders, operates through volunteer certified peer supporters rather than clinical therapists.
Kelly will work with program staff on revised contract language addressing funding flows and legal entity verification before returning to the board.
Wildfire Code Discussion Scheduled
Commissioners scheduled an evening work session March 7 for public comment on Colorado’s wildfire resiliency code before making adoption decisions. The state requires counties to adopt the code by April 1 and begin enforcement July 1.
A commissioner strongly opposed adoption, calling it “the state being a bully” and an unfunded mandate. The commissioner noted Alamosa County has lost zero homes to wildfire historically and argued insurance companies already handle risk assessment locally without state mandates.
The code would add $20-30 per square foot to construction costs in affected areas, plus permitting and inspection costs requiring 1-2 additional county staff. Commissioners expressed frustration that the state provided only four staff statewide to help implement the mandate while placing all costs on counties.
Other Business
The board approved a six-month extension for San Luis Valley Church of Christ to complete construction under their special use permit, moving the deadline to July 17. Church representative Thomas Masterson said contractor changes and financing delays necessitated additional time.
Fire Chief Frank Worth introduced himself to commissioners and discussed coordination on wildfire mitigation public service announcements and the controversial wildfire resiliency code. Worth, who has 27 years firefighting experience including 10 years as airport fire chief, is also developing a firefighter training program partnering with Trinidad State for Fire Science courses.
Commissioners also approved routine bills and obligations, including general account checks 170882 through 171074 and public health checks 37018 through 37033. The board also approved a letter supporting the La Veta Pass Rail Project, a 22.3-mile project with a total cost of $9.6 million.
The board scheduled a joint city-county dinner for April 22 with the county hosting.
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