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$20.2M Going Toward Watershed Work After Fires In Colorado

DENVER (AP) — Colorado is getting $20.2 million to help prevent flooding and mudslides following this year's wildfires.

Sen. Michael Bennet and Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the Emergency Watershed Protection grants for work to protect communities near the 416, Spring Creek and Lake Christine fires on Tuesday. The money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will go to four counties — La Plata, Huerfano, Costilla and Eagle.

lake christine fire (credit InciWeb)
Smoke from the Lake Christine Fire near Basalt Mountain and Ranch. (credit: InciWeb)

In a joint announcement, Bennet and Hickenlooper said the funding was awarded after months of coordination between local officials and state and federal agencies.

Costilla County Commissioner Ben Doon says the timing of the funding is critical and will help implement watershed restoration projects before winter.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Colorado Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile), the deadliest (Storm King) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 

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