City of Black Hawk responds to COVID-19 outbreak
Black Hawk waives $700k in fees in response to casino closures
The City of Black Hawk remains open during the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to work with its regional partners as well as the Governor’s Office to protect the health of its citizens and employees. Following Governor Polis’ executive order to close casinos and other social spaces, the City of Black Hawk is announcing it will waive nearly $700 thousand in casino fees to alleviate a portion of the economic loss for the City’s primary revenue producers.
In addition to waiving casino fees, City of Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman signed an emergency disaster declaration on Wednesday which will allow the City access to critical resources amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
During the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak, the City took extraordinary measures to combat the spread of the virus, preparing them for future outbreaks like COVID-19. In addition to promoting practical prevention like frequently washing hands with warm water and soap, the City has also implemented the following procedures to help prevent the potential spread of the virus:
- The public will have limited access to city building foyers, but will not have direct contact with city employees.
- City employees will continue to use social distancing while working in their de-centralized department buildings. Most buildings have fewer than 10 people.
- All first responders are equipped with protective masks.
- All employees have access to hand sanitizer, latex gloves, and disinfecting wipes.
- City Council meetings will take place on video conferencing through April. The public can log onto CityOfBlackHawk.org and navigate to the City Council portion of the site to watch.
- The shuttle between Black Hawk and Central City is closed until further notice.
Although these are difficult times, the City of Black Hawk-- Colorado’s premier gaming resort destination-- will emerge stronger than ever. The Gregory Street Plaza restoration and trail construction on Maryland Mountain projects both remain on track. The City remains committed to preserving its past and taking action in the present to bolster its future.
“Black Hawk has seen many trials and tribulations in the City’s 160-year history,” said Spellman. “By coming together in this unprecedented time, we will make it through this challenge with the same frontier soul and indomitable spirit as the brave pioneers that have come before us.”
Jordan Sherman
