East Central Colorado RC&D

P. O. Box 157 Hugo, CO 80821-0157
318 5th Street
Hugo, CO 80821
Phone: (719)743-2408
    FAX: (719)743-2501
    Cell: (719)740-1701

Counties served: Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Eastern El Paso

The East Central RC&D Council was organized in 1970. The counties authorized included Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln and eastern El Paso. Many projects were undertaken and completed before official authorization in 1976.  Over the years, the primary project type has changed from sewer, water, and medical services to community development/improvement, recreation, recycling, and historical preservation.

Mission

Provide a continuing program to encourage enrichments of the rural lifestyle for the communities and citizens of the East Central Colorado RC&D region.

Vision

Neighbors helping neighbors accomplish economic, social and environmental benefits for their communities.

 Major Focus Areas

•  Historic Preservation
•  Community Development /Recreational Planning
•  Water quality/quantity
•  Telecommunications/Internet access

Co-sponsors

•  22 local governments
•  6 businesses
•  11 community groups
•  10 conservation districts
•  USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

Historic Preservation

 Planning/Assessments/Preservation

Technical assistance on planning historic preservation projects, grant assistance

Funding

•  $62,500 grants
•  $26,500 matching
•  $6,500 in-kind services

Results

• 10 local citizens trained in identification, inventory and nomination process for state and national Register of Historic Places
•  75 properties listed on inventory
•  6 properties registered on State Register
•  3 historic properties with restoration work

Community Development

Funding

• $120,000 grants
• $60,000 matching
• $30,000 in-kind

 Results

The RC&D office assisted libraries, conservation districts, senior citizens programs, child development centers (day care), and community organizations with grant applications and funding strategies for numerous projects

 Recreation Facilities

Funding

• $48,000 Grants from Foundations & donations/fundraisers local citizens
• $12,000 In-kind

Results

•  Baseball field with fence and signage
•  Community Park Playground Equipment

Recycling

Funding

•  $120,000 Grants Energy Conservation Fund
•  $ 60,000 Matching - Communities
•  $ 15,000 In-kind

Results

• Recycling of newspaper, office paper, brown and clear glass, tin and aluminum
• In 40 Communities in 12 Counties in Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas

Water Quality Education Program

Preventing contamination through capping abandoned wells and protecting active wellheads.

Funding

• $3,050 Colorado State University Water Quality Initiative Fund
• $3,050 Natural Resources Conservation Service
• $5,050 in-kind services

Results

• Locally-led coalition of eight conservation districts, Cooperative Extension Service offices, NRCS offices, State health and water quality agencies addressing local water quality concerns.
• Educational workshop
• Brochure on water quality issues and abandoned wells
• Videotape demonstrating how to cap an abandoned well for private landowners.
• Distribution of information to over 1000 local landowners

Telecommunications/Internet Access

Improve rural Internet Access and Telecommunications

Funding

•  $17,000 - U.S. West and CCCOES/State of Colorado
•  $15,000 - Match from Communities
•  $16,200 - In-kind match

Results

• Purchased and linked computers for a school to obtain Internet access
• Formed an alliance of organizations in 6 counties
• Study determined the telecommunication needs for rural communities

RC&D Council Members

Gary Ensign, Chairman - Lincoln County
Gail Pitzer, Vice Chair - Elbert County
Paul Metcalf, Treasurer - Lincoln County
Penny McPhearson - Cheyenne County
Ron Howard - Cheyenne County
Henry Schuler - Elbert County
Jim Brewer - El Paso County
Vacant Seat - El Paso County
Loren Lambert - Kit Carson County
Carol Levin - Kit Carson County

RC&D Staff

Jeffery Koster  -  Coordinator
Alicha Stroud   -  Administrative Assistant/Secretary

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