Can we say that snow is expensive?  It's great for the high country and bringing dollars into the state of Colorado for recreation but when it comes in big doses to the Front Range of Colorado it brings high costs and declarations of "State of Emergency" to allow for federal dollars to aid in the cost of removal.

Between December 18, 2006 and January 8, 2007 the Colorado Department of Transportation has spent $7.1 million dollars on snow removal for the front range and eastern plains and that number is expected to grow as the bills finish coming in. 

Here are some comparisons:

Denver proper (not the suburbs) has spent $3.7 million for the same time period. 

The Townhomes at Red Hawk has spent $19,935 for snow removal during the snows between December 18, 2006 and January 8, 2007 over the 17 acres within the community.  To help the community if any large snows fall, the snow removal company the community is under contract with is leaving a CAT within the community as it is impossible to bring it to the community on a trailer with large snows.

Some HOA's are pulling money from reserves to pay for snow removal.  Others are looking at special assessments (a "one time" charge) to cover the snow removal expenses.  While other communities are finding that they do not have the funds in any of their accounts (operating or reserves) and that the homeowners will not authorize a special assessment to cover the snow removal expenses. 

I'm sure everyone in the Denver Metro area is hoping that the snow will slow down.  Yes, the moisture will be good for our water reserves and the plants but where can all of the snow piles go?  I know that my mom that lives downstream between the North Platte and South Platte river is going to make sure that her flood insurance will cover everything when the snow begins to melt.