Recycling has become more expensive for residential and commercial users as of summer 2019, with MRF tip fees equal or greater than disposal fees in some cases, according to Colorado’s Department of Public Health & Environment. The agency reports drop-off programs are struggling (some have closed) and some MRFs are having trouble getting fiber or mixed plastics to market. In response, CDPHE has revised grants programs, conducted MRF outreach and worked to remind facilities of material turnover requirements.
The agency also conducted a survey, designed by The Recycling Partnership, of all state MRFs to identify top contaminants. Based on results, it has shared educational material focused on bags and food contamination.
Art and art appreciation are not lacking in Erie. In fact, the city is home to an active community of artists spanning a wide range of styles. Roughly 70 of those local artists are affiliate with the Arts Coalition of Erie. This 501(c)(3) organization represents around 60% of the artists who currently call Erie home.
Those who are interested in the visual and performing arts need to know about the Art Center of Erie. Also known simply as the ACE, the Center is located at 625 Pierce Street. The location in Old Town Erie makes an ideal setting for the work of the Art Center, which is operated by the Arts Coalition.
Erie’s local government is composed of a Board of Trustees that manage the general legislative functions as well as taking care of the general governance of the town. That includes reviewing, updating, and implementing policies and goals intended to maintain Erie.
Erie also includes a Town Administrator in it’s governmental structure. The Administrator is appointed by the Board of Trustees. That body retains the right to review and replace the Administrator if the need arises.
The town of Erie owns its own airport. Known as the Erie Municipal Airport (EIK), the location is found along Colorado Highway 7, roughly three miles west of Interstate 25. Established in 1977, the airport was originally constructed as a privately-owned airfield, but eventually came into the possession of the town. A residential area known as Erie Airpak is found adjacent to the airport, and serves as home for many private-plane commuters..
While much of this part of Colorado remained dry for a number of years, Erie was among the few wet towns in the area. In fact, the town included no less than eleven saloons along Briggs Street in 1895.
The area around Erie is home to plenty of lush forests that were intentionally planned. Those local forest management areas are overseen by the Erie County Bureau of Forestry. Established in 1927, the Bureau seeks to maintain and protect those areas.
Parks are a key part of life in Erie County. Along with municipal parks that provide citizens with places to enjoy picnics and similar events, there are also a number of special purpose parks devoted to recreation, education, camping, and other pursuits.
Within the current park system, five original county parks are designated as heritage parks. All of these five were established during the decades of the 1920s or the 1930s. They serve as examples of planned parks that were constructed with multiple uses in mind. Information available from the Erie County Parks System provides details about the history, scenic, and natural elements found in each.
The creation of the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry came about in 1925. Initially, the Department had jurisdiction over four parks that included 2,280 acres. Over the years, the Department has undergone name changes and continued to expand. One of the key goals is the protection, preservation, and maintenance of all parks within its jurisdiction.
