Colorado bill could deliver critical support to Pitkin County, Aspen fire departments

Legislation passed by the Colorado House could deliver critical support to fire departments across the state, including Pitkin County and the Aspen Fire Protection District. 

House Bill 25-1078, sponsored by Reps. Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, of House District 57, which includes Aspen, passed by a vote of 37-27. 

The bill proposes expanded funding opportunities and new support for firefighter housing by creating a $50 million revolving loan fund, offering interest-free loans for upgrades to equipment, vehicles, and facilities.

“HB25-1078 would create a $50 million fund that works like a credit union for fire districts,” said Velasco. “They can get loans with zero interest to address issues such that many fire stations face, like fixing aging equipment before it breaks down during an emergency, fixing leaking station roofs or expanding facilities to meet growing needs, and covering immediate costs when responding to wildfires while waiting for reimbursement.”

Aspen Fire Protection District Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Andersen welcomed the recognition of fire districts’ needs but questioned how much of a solution the bill would actually offer. 

“I do not know what amounts are available and what the repayment terms are, but I am excited that our elected officials are looking at different ways to help fund fire districts,” Andersen said. “I think they understand that there is a need, especially with the consistent downward pressure on property tax coming out of the Front Range.” 

Still, he noted, “It will be interesting to see the details, but I’m not sure how excited I am for this program just yet.”

While the legislation holds potential to help communities like Aspen, where access to reliable firefighting resources is critical to wildfire mitigation and emergency response, Andersen’s uncertainty underscores a broader concern that — without clear repayment terms, available amounts, or guidelines for accessing the funds — the real-world impact remains speculative.

Velasco framed the bill as a fiscally responsible approach to bolstering community resilience. 

“With the amendments, HB1078 is set to invest in our wonderful people, essential equipment, and housing — without raising taxes or increasing debt,” she said. “This approach is not only practical but also a responsible step to protect our beloved Colorado communities and support the brave firefighters who keep us all safe.”

Housing remains another major focus. Boesenecker pointed to the growing difficulty firefighters face in finding affordable homes in the communities they protect. HB 1078 would authorize the state treasurer to invest in housing bonds designated for firefighter housing projects, creating pathways for more affordable options in high-cost regions like Pitkin County. 

“The bill also helps firefighters buy homes in our expensive mountain communities through a special mortgage program,” Velasco said. “When a firefighter can live in the community they serve, response times improve and we all benefit.”

The bill was developed through the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee and proposes funding the initiative by temporarily drawing from the state’s $1.4 billion pool of unclaimed property.

“We’ll borrow $50 million from this fund temporarily, use it to help our fire districts, and then pay it back,” Velasco said. “No new taxes, no permanent transfers of money.”

HB 1078 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.