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- Nov 19, 2002
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The results of a study that began in 2018 has been publicly released. The proposal would close interagency dispatch centers in Pueblo, Durango, Montrose and Craig. Leaving Fort Collins, Grand Junction and a new center to eventually be built in Colorado Springs. Medicine Bow-Routt NF in Colorado would likely be dispatched with the rest of the Forest from Casper, Wyoming. There are 38 dispatcher positions in Colorado who would be offered jobs in the remaining centers. This study is similar to, but more extensive than the proposal made in 2006. The inability to hire dispatchers was cited as one reason for the closures. Wildland firefighters and dispatchers (forestry technicians) start out at $11.60 or $13.03 an hour, in Durango, Montrose, Grand Junction and Craig, substantially less than the McDonalds wages. Dispatchers in Fort Collins start at $14.75 or $16.56 and Colorado Springs at $13.67 or $15.34 an hour. Apparently they think they can hire people for those wages in Fort Collins and Grand Junction. Biden-Harris WH has proposed a 2.7% increase in forestry technician wages in 2022 and 3.2% for Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. The study also cites the lack of space for Expanded Dispatch. The public comment period closes 27 November. Public comment can be sent to co.interagency.dispatch@state.co.us The reorganization could take a minimum of three years.