Ouray County Social Services is now accepting Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) applications November through April 30, 2023. (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals, pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Their goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to homes and families by assisting with heating costs.

The LEAP program works to keep our communities warm during the winter (November through April) by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating tools. While the program is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, we aim to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado's colder months.

In most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. In most cases, if you are approved for LEAP, payments are made directly to your primary heating fuel vendor and a notice will be sent to you informing you of the benefit amount. Other benefits provided by LEAP include repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. The program does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or portable heating.

The program counts your gross monthly income. Household gross income may not exceed 60 percent of the State Median Income--the maximum gross monthly income for a one person household for the 2022-2023 LEAP season is $2880.00.

In addition to LEAP benefits, Ouray County residents are currently eligible for two temporary programs that are part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The Utility Assistance Program provides funds to assist with paying down past-due accounts for a home's primary heating source and supportive fuel while funding is available. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) serves eligible Colorado households who pay a water vendor directly and whose account is either in arrears or shut off. LIHWAP provides funds to make a one-time payment to the water vendor directly on behalf of eligible households if funding is available.

 

To qualify for this assistance, the household must meet these criteria:

- Be approved for LEAP during November 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023

- Complete the addendum within the LEAP application and submit a copy of your water bill.

- Must pay drinking water services and/or waste/sewer services directly to a water vendor. 

- Services must be in disconnected, facing disconnection, or have a past due amount on the bill.

For households whose water services are included in their rent, have group metering, or pay through their property management/landlord, please refer to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) https://cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance

If you are interested in receiving LEAP benefits, you must fill out a LEAP application. Applications may be obtained online at https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap or through the local LEAP office at the Ouray County Social Services office, located in Ridgway at 177 Sherman St. Suite 104. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their most recent heating bill or rent receipt (if heat is included in rent) and proof of income, along with a valid Colorado ID or driver’s license. For more information regarding LEAP, you may call human services at 970-626-2299, visit the LEAP website, stop in to human services offices or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). 

 Secretary of State Jena Griswold Highlights Voters’ Rights and Election Security Ahead of Election Day November 8th

Reminds voters to go to trusted sources for election information like GoVoteColorado.gov

Denver, Colo. – With early voting for General Election underway, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is reminding eligible Colorado voters of their right to cast ballot without interference.

“Colorado elections are accessible, secure, and transparent. Voter intimidation is illegal. Any intimidation or harassment that interferes with voters’ right to make their voices heard will not be tolerated,” said Secretary Griswold. 

“Colorado’s sheriffs are committed to protecting every voter’s right to cast their ballot in a safe and reliable election, and we stand ready to aid our local county election workers in ensuring that this year’s election is a success,” said Rio Blanco County Sheriff Anthony Mazzola on behalf of the County Sheriffs of Colorado association.

Voters in Colorado have legally protected rights:

• Official or unofficial election watchers do not have the right to interfere with a voter casting a ballot including at drop boxes or voting centers. The challenge process is limited and controlled by state law. If someone challenges an eligible voter attempting to cast a ballot, the voter is still permitted to vote a regular ballot if the voter affirms their eligibility as part of the challenge process. It may not be used to intimidate voters.
• Any claim that door-to-door canvassing is official business of the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, or the State of Colorado is false. No state or local election office in Colorado is conducting door-to-door voter participation surveys.
• If an individual requests information about your voting history or registration status, you are not required to answer.
• Every voter’s right to a secret ballot is constitutionally protected in Colorado. If an individual asks how you voted in a particular race, you are not required to tell them how you voted.
• Except for law enforcement and licensed security officials, open carrying a gun is prohibited within 100 feet of a drop box, voting center, or ballot processing facility.
• Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of a drop box, voting center, or ballot processing facility.
• You have the right to request the name and credentials of door-to-door solicitors, as well as the organization they represent.
• If you feel harassed or threatened, please reach out to local law enforcement, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, or the U.S. Department of Justice.

 Colorado elections are safe, secure, and accurate:

• In Colorado, all drop boxes are under 24/7 video surveillance.
• It is a felony to tamper with voting equipment. Any suspected tampering with voting equipment should be reported to your local law enforcement agency, local county clerk’s office or the Secretary of State’s office.
• It is illegal to threaten, harass, or otherwise seek to intimidate any election official or worker.

Colorado voters should be aware of election disinformation and election related scams including online, email, robo calls, and text messages, including these methods listed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. For accurate election information voters should visit GoVoteColorado.gov or contact their local county clerk’s office.

Important information for Colorado voters:

• Eligible Coloradans can still register to vote and update their voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov through October 31st in order to receive a ballot in the mail. After October 31st, Coloradans can still register to vote until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
• All Colorado voters can sign up to track their ballot from sent to counted using BallotTrax.
• Eligible voters who wish to mail back their voted ballot should do so by October 31st to ensure it is received by their county election official by November 8th. After October 31st voters should return their ballot to a drop box or voting center.
• This year 411 drop boxes and over 350 voting centers will be available for voters. Voters can look up their locations, opening date, and hours at GoVoteColorado.gov.
• In person voting on Election Day, Tuesday November 8th, will be available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Eligible voters must have returned their ballot to a drop box or voting center by 7 p.m. on Election Day, or be in line to vote by 7 p.m. on Election Day for their ballot to be counted. Ballots cast by military and overseas voters must be sent no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by close of business on the 8th day after the election (November 16).
• When polls close on November 8 at 7 p.m., counties will begin uploading results to the state’s centralized Election Night Reporting system. Those results are then posted on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website, including on the home page and GoVoteColorado.gov. Note that if a court extends voting hours in any county, results will not be posted by the Secretary of State’s Office until polls are closed in every county.

Ouray County General Election Information

As of November 1, 2022, 1,639 ballots have been cast.

Received by Mail: 307

Ouray Drop Box: 295

Ridgway Drop Box: 747

Colona Drop Box: 194

Voter Service Polling Center Drop Box: 76

BMD (Ballot Marking Device) In-person voting: 7

UOCAVA (oversees/absentee voter) Email: 17

UOCAVA Mail: 3

Rejected: 11 (improper signature)

Undeliverable: 151

Find out the Election Results on November 8! 

On the Road with Road & Bridge

Recent snows have made travel more hazardous in our High Country. Please remember that conditions on these four-wheel-drive roads are highly variable; weather at high elevations changes rapidly. You may encounter snow and ice on our High Country roads, and they will not be plowed again until next Spring. Please check weather conditions before you head out. Stuck or stranded vehicles may not be recoverable for some time – drive at your own risk. Be sure your vehicle is properly equipped in case of changes in weather and if you get stranded.

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Are you prepared for Winter Driving?

Do you carry an emergency kit in your vehicle? Here's a list of common things you should have in your vehicle, especially during winter:

• Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
• Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Gallon jug of water
• First aid kit and essential medications
• Tire chains and tow strap
• Jumper cables
• Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
• Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts

As we move into the snowy and wintery season, it's good to freshen up on some winter driving tips:

• Take a little extra time to clear your car of snow and ice before leaving for your destination.
• There are three actions you do most when you drive: accelerate, turn, and brake. In winter weather, you should only do one of those actions at a time. Attempting more than one of these actions at once can cause slide-outs, spin-outs, and other harmful scenarios.
• When traveling downhill, if possible, switch to a lower gear, and gently tap your brakes. This helps to avoid burning your brakes, and in winter weather, it helps keep traction.
• Keep momentum when traveling uphill to avoid getting stuck.
• When driving at night, keep your headlight beams low. High beams can amplify the appearance of snow and lead to decreased visibility.
• Slow down – driving too fast for conditions causes most crashes.
• If you encounter a multi-car collision, stay in your car. You’re safer in your car than outside of it.
• Follow Colorado’s Left Lane Law. No matter the season, keep right except to pass.
• Signage is your best friend – look ahead and plan ahead for abrupt turns or stops.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Never drive impaired

Be sure to check weather conditions before you head out! COTrip.org provides interactive maps and cameras so you can see what road conditions are like where you're traveling. 

Learn more about Winter Driving Preparedness - thanks to Colorado Dept. of Transportation.

Highway 550 Construction Continues

Beginning in April, and expected to be completed by November 2022, Hwy 550 between Ouray and Colona will receive some substantial improvements. The $15 Million project is located approximately between MP 94-116. The scope of work includes a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) leveling course and overlay with a 2-mile section to include shoulder widening between MP 98 and 100, south of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Our Road & Bridge department will be coordinating with CDOT for minor improvements along the route such as draining issues.

The new road surface will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and will eliminate ruts and road damage. This will allow for an improved smoother and safer drive for motorists. The new guardrail will be 31” high instead of 27” high to help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public.

If you have questions or concerns or if you would like to be added to CDOTs public outreach contact list to receive construction updates:

• Project Phone Line -(970) 456-1481

• Project Email - resurfacingproject@gmail.com

• Project Webpage - https://www.codot.gov/projects/us550-ouray-to-colona-resurfacing

What can you expect?

PROJECT SCHEDULE: Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The project, starting in April, has an anticipated completion date of November 2022.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Motorists should plan for one-lane alternating traffic, 20 minute delays and reduced speed limit throughout the work-zone.

Watch the March 22 presentation from CDOT (begins at 1:58:15)