Colorado eyes a new firefighting tool: A $24 million Firehawk helicopter

By the numbers: A series of mid-year budget bills at the state Capitol includes $57 million in new spending to prevent and respond to fires. The package includes:

• The purchase of a $24 million Firehawk helicopter that arrives in 2022 and an additional $6.8 million to lease one in 2021 and cover costs.
• An additional $8.8 million for leasing other firefighting air tankers and helicopters.
• $6 million to thin forests and trees that fuel fires.
• $300,000 for drones that can drop firebombs.

The intrigue: The helicopter — Gov. Jared Polis’ big ticket item — drew pressing questions from lawmakers ahead of initial votes Thursday in the Democratic-controlled state House.

What they're saying: The state has not made a purchase like this before, but McCluskie defended the move.

• "Something like the Firehawk can be a real game changer to tackle those fires quickly," she said.

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