Rural Communities

Michael believes our nation’s prosperity depends on a thriving rural America and that we have a duty to support locally-driven efforts to maintain the health and heritage of Colorado’s rural communities. For years, Michael’s office has witnessed the challenges that local governments, nonprofits, and water districts in rural Colorado face while navigating complex and bureaucratic federal funding opportunities. To that end, Michael wrote the RESILIENT Act to tackle red tape in USDA Rural Developments’ community facilities and water programs.  

Michael supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to make historic investments in our rural communities so they can thrive for generations. These bills will deliver affordable, high-speed internet, safe roads and bridges, modern wastewater systems, clean drinking water, reliable and affordable clean energy, and good-paying jobs to every rural community in Colorado.

Every year, Michael introduces legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which supports schools, roads, bridges, and emergency services in 43 Colorado counties. He also helped secure full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program so Colorado counties with public lands can carry out vital services like fire and police protection, school construction, and road maintenance.

Michael understands that high-speed, affordable broadband is essential to succeed in the 21st century economy, but too many rural communities cannot access reliable internet. In response, Michael wrote the bipartisan BRIDGE Act to make a once-in-a-generation investment to connect every Coloradan and close the digital divide. The BRIDGE Act was included and passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He continues to work to update Federal broadband programs to ensure they meet the needs of the 21st century and are accessible to rural communities.  

Colorado’s coal communities have powered our state for generations. As a result of the long-term decline in demand for coal, Colorado communities, like Craig and Hayden, have been hit hard economically. Michael has secured millions of dollars in federal funds for these communities to help diversify their economies and strengthen their infrastructure. He has also introduced the National Energy Community Transition Act to create a long-term sustainable source of funding for communities that have historically relied on revenue from fossil fuel energy extraction and production to support their transition planning, economic development and diversification, capacity building, and core public services. He also supports providing critical resources and training opportunities to assist workers whose jobs are affected by the energy industry’s move toward cleaner sources.