A funding initiative announced by the governor today should bolster a Republican effort to secure more of the state's map from the annual threat of devastating wildland fires, says Littleton Republican Sen. Mike Kopp. Gov. Bill Ritter's pledge of financial support, through legislation to be introduced when the General Assembly convenes in January, adds momentum to months-long efforts by Kopp and fellow legislative Republicans.

"We're very pleased to have the leadership of the governor in securing the much-needed revenue stream to minimize the massive wildfire risk some of our communities face, particularly along the Front Range and in Colorado's high country," Kopp said. "This is a good step for Colorado, and we commend the governor for it."

Kopp served on a bipartisan, interim committee on wildfire issues that proposed a package of wide-ranging measures in September in hopes of heading off—and better preparing for—Colorado’s next round of menacing wildfires. Created by Senate Joint Resolution 25, the Committee on Wildfire Issues in Wild Land-Urban Interface Areas was the brainchild of Kopp and Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee. The committee aimed to take an active role in anticipating future wildfires and helping community firefighting programs.

The governor is proposing in part that lawmakers fund wildland-fire prevention measures by tapping $5.5 million next fiscal year from severance-tax revenue collected by the state.

The interim committee met six times this year to study the challenges to traditional firefighting resources and to discuss policy changes and make legislative recommendations on state wildfire issues.

The proactive measures will move forward as bills to the General Assembly.  If passed, they will give local communities the tools they will need to begin getting ahead of the curve when it comes to wildfire prevention, said Kopp.

Kopp said he welcomed Ritter's support for using business incentives to market fallen timber and other wood products derived from pine beetle-infested trees.

"We remain committed to using all the commercial incentives available to us in Colorado," he said. "Smart enterprises can make a profit by minimizing fire danger while being responsible stewards of the land. We ought to be rolling out the red carpet for them."

Kopp also stressed anew his push to support volunteer firefighters in wildland fire areas.

"Recruiting and retaining an able volunteer force remains a top priority in a state that relies so heavily on their labor to keep our citizens safe," Kopp said.