Estes Park board approves DOLA grant scope change for broadband project

The Estes Park Town Board approved Resolution 64-26 to amend the scope of a Department of Local Affairs grant for the town’s broadband project. The change was needed so the town can close out the grant after cost increases and unexpected underground conditions affected the work.

During discussion, trustees asked how the grant amendment fit into the town’s broader broadband buildout, including remaining work in areas such as Allenspark and N34. Bill Brown said staff is still evaluating timelines and revenue questions as it pursues additional grant funding, including a BEED grant, and expects to bring an update to the board within the next month.

Brown said the DOLA grant amendment was driven by "a lot of cost increases and some unexpected conditions in the ground, broken conduit specifically." Mayor Gary Hall agreed, saying the scope change would allow the grant to be closed out now while broader buildout planning continues.

The resolution had been pulled from the consent agenda for questions before returning for a separate vote. Trustee Jamie Mieras made the motion to approve Resolution 64-26, and Hall seconded it before the board voted in favor.