April 14, 2023
Marshall Fire Recovery Newsletter – April 14, 2023
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Marshall Fire Rebuild Expo set for Saturday, April 15
The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Metro Denver, working with its volunteer Marshall Fire Task Force, will host a Marshall Fire Rebuild Expo on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ascent Community Church,550 McCaslin Blvd., in Louisville. The event is free to the public and will include 40 exhibitors—ranging from local builders and contractors, financial institutions, lumber and material vendors, local governments, nonprofits, and other businesses dedicated to the rebuilding efforts in Louisville, Superior and Boulder County. All of the exhibitors at the Rebuild Expo are HBA members in good standing. Register to attend.
Provide feedback on the Marshall Fire Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery Action Plan
In order to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes to the Marshall Fire Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery Action Plan and to ask questions and offer feedback, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs conducted a public hearing Tuesday, April 4.
The Department of Local Affairs has developed a substantial amendment to the Action Plan following the guidelines set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that details how the additional funds will be allocated to address the unmet needs in Boulder County.
A public comment period is open through Wednesday, May 3. The public is encouraged to provide feedback through the following methods:
Email: DOLA_Recovery@state.co.us
USPS Mail: Will Cundiff, 1313 Sherman St., Suite 521, Denver CO 80203
Phone: 303-864-7720
Online Form
Colorado legislature poised to create ‘last resort’ property insurance plan as crisis looms
Colorado wildfires are making it harder for homeowners and businesses to buy property insurance, and now the General Assembly is poised to create a public insurance plan to serve as a last resort for those who can’t find policies on the open market.
A bill introduced last week would create an insurance-of-last-resort plan — what’s being called a “fair plan” — that would protect Colorado property owners from losses due to wildfires, floods, hail, theft, vandalism and civil disturbances when no other options exist. Read more.
Will building better help us weather the future?
Rocky Mountain PBS: Amita Sobti and her family are being intentional about how they rebuild their home in Superior. Enter Passive House, an energy efficient building standard that dates back to the late 1980s. Besides being energy efficient, Passive House homes are also fire resistant. After homeowners take advantage of the incentives available to Marshall Fire survivors, Passive House homes cost around $550,000. In February 2023, the median home price in Boulder County was $680,000. Read more.
High School student creates cookbook for survivors
Miranda Beasley, a senior at Silver Creek High School in Longmont, is working on her senior capstone project for the Silver Creek Leadership Academy. Her project, The Family Meal, is focused on helping those affected by the Marshall Fire.
"People who have lost their homes in large crises, like the Marshall Fire, often have their immediate needs replaced, from bedding to furniture to cleaning supplies," said Beasley. "Material heirlooms such as cookbooks containing treasured recipes or family photos are much harder to come by. I cannot replace individual books or photos, but I hope that I can lessen the severity of the impact and bring people who have been through so much some solace in the form of good food."
She has been working all year to compile a cookbook with recipes from family, friends, and the larger community. Learn more about her project and download the cookbook.
Babysitting grant available for mental health activities
Marshall Together has received a grant from the Rotary District 5450 to put toward babysitting (by Babysitters of Boulder) for fire impacted families. Funds are to be used for babysitting during mental health related activities — therapy, couples counseling, self care activities that improve mental health, etc. Apply for the grant.
Upcoming Meetings
Marshall Fire Rebuild ExpoSaturday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.40 exhibitors ranging from local builders and contractors, financial institutions, lumber and materials vendors, and other businesses dedicated to the rebuilding effortsAscent Community Church550 McCaslin Blvd, LouisvilleFree admission – Register to Attend
Marshall Fire Conservation WorkshopSaturday, April 15Drop-in between 2-4 p.m.Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St.Drop-in for an opportunity to meet with a professional conservator to discuss how to clean, stabilize, and preserve items damaged by the Marshall Fire. Free conservation kits will also be available.
Survivor to Survivor ForumTuesday, April 18 – 8 p.m.Zoom – registration required
Disaster Strong Preparedness WorkshopWednesday, April 19 – 5:30 to 8 p.m.Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road and VirtualInformation and Registration
Scoop on “Scope of Loss”Wednesday, April 19 – 6 p.m.Zoom – registration required
2023 Disaster Education & Outreach Series: Lessons Learned on Fire Behavior from Marshall FireThursday, April 20 – 6-8 p.m.Louisville Recreation & Senior Center, 900 W Via Appia Way, and will also stream via ZoomLearn more about the 2023 Disaster Education & Outreach Series
ENERGY STAR Next Gen Heat Pump Requirements Info SessionFriday, April 21 - 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.While registration is open to all, this webinar is designed for builders and HVAC professionals and will be highly technical in nature. Zoom registration required
Breakfast in the ParkSaturday, April 29 -10 a.m. to noonCommunity Park, 955 Bella Vista Drive, LouisvilleOpen to all residents impacted by the Marshall fire (and neighbors!). Come see your neighbors and community members as we make our way through the recovery process. Baked goods and hot and cold beverages will be served. Sponsored by Team Marshall with support from The Community Foundation. Organized by the City of Louisville and Marshall Together.RSVPs are not required but are highly encouraged.
EnergySmart Open Office Hours:Second and fourth Thursday of every month – extended through June 299 a.m. to noon (no appointment necessary)Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton RoadGet free advice on building efficiently – for homeowners, builders, code officials, trade partners
Information/Resources
Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives
Boulder County Rebuilding Better
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The latest information and resources are located on the Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery website or contact Katie Arrington, Assistant Recovery Manager for Boulder County, karrington@bouldercounty.org