CO HB1006

Creates a Rural Grant Navigator Grant Program administered by the Colorado State Forest Service to provide funding to nongovernmental organizations that assist rural communities in applying for federal and state wildfire mitigation and preparedness grants.

Requires the Forest Service to establish application guidelines and eligibility criteria by February 28, 2025, and allow NGO applications beginning March 1, 2025.

Mandates the Forest Service consult with participating NGOs, the Department of Local Affairs, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Governor's Office, and rural counties from three regions (Western Slope, Eastern Plains, Southern part of state) to develop metrics for assessing program success.

Requires annual written reports to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee (or successor committees) beginning March 1, 2026, with reports posted on the Forest Service website indefinitely.

Appropriates $300,000 to the Department of Higher Education for the 2024-25 fiscal year for use by the Colorado State Forest Service at Colorado State University, with unspent funds rolling forward through 2027-28.