Bill to Transfer Land for West Fork Fire Station Moves Forward

A bill that would transfer 3 ½ acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service to Dolores County has passed the House Natural Resources Committee and is moving to the full House. The bill, sponsored by Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton, would allow the county to build a fire station to serve the West Fork community, which sits on the edge of the San Juan National Forest. Dolores County Commissioner Floyd Cook testified in support of the bill at the committee hearing in February, saying the need for a fire department in the West Fork has been obvious for a long time. He said neighboring fire districts are providing emergency services when possible, but those fire departments have become overburdened and the stations are more than 26 miles from most calls.