Patrols Set to Nab Overindulgent Partiers
The Colorado Department of Transportation says the annual statewide New Year’s enforcement is underway. CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and almost 100 local law enforcement agencies are working together to keep those who had too many off the roads. Checkpoints and patrols will continue now through Monday January fifth in an effort to nab drunk drivers. CDOT advises New Year’s partiers to have a designated driver, take public transportation or a cab to keep off the roads following a night of drinking. Last year, just over 500 people were arrested for impaired driving during the New Year’s action.
Ski Co to Open Idaho Resort
The Aspen Skiing Company is expanding its operations to Idaho. The ski operator closed on a property in Ketchum and plans to build a new hotel, modeled after an existing one in Aspen.
The Ski Co will develop a new Limelight Hotel close to Sun Valley’s River Run base of the ski area Bald Mountain. The Limelight in Aspen features large guest rooms, an expansive lounge, a lobby restaurant, and adventure programming for guests.
In a statement, the Ski Co’s Vice President for Hospitality Don Schuster says the company feels the timing is right to grow the “Limelight brand” and that downtown Ketchum is an ideal location.
The hotel in Idaho will include more than 100 hotel rooms and eleven free market residential units. The Skiing Company purchased the Limelight hotel in Aspen in 2010 from the Paas/Woolery families.
Bennet to Reintroduce Anti-Drill Thompson Divide Bill
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet will reintroduce the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act when lawmakers convene in 2015. The bill expired when congress ended last week. The Bennet bill permanently prohibits future oil and gas leasing in the Thompson Divide area near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The lawmaker’s reintroduction comes on the heels of a White River National Forest plan to temporarily close the Divide to future drilling. The Forest Service plan doesn’t impact existing oil and gas leases.
In an email, a spokesman for Bennet said, “The Forest Service decision is temporary. Our bill would offer a permanent solution. It would allow the energy companies to keep their leases, as well...and gives the community an avenue to buy back the leases from the companies.”
The Bennet bill was introduced early last year and was read twice before it moved to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Congress convenes on January 6th.
