Colorado taxpayers have been paying nearly $2.4 million for helicopter pilots and mechanics for the past year.
The only thing missing is the chopper.
Three years ago, the state spent $24 million to purchase a Firehawk helicopter, a converted Black Hawk that was slated to be delivered in 2022, according to 9news.
When state officials learned about how the helicopter would enhance wildland firefighting, they agreed to spend $26 million for a second one.
And even though they never got the helicopter, the state signed a $2.4 million contract with a company to help them establish an aviation program and hire the pilots and mechancis.
"The contract was not something that was easy to back out of, right. It was a one-year contract and we know that we have to have pilots and maintenance. There’s not a pause button on a contract. It was a one-year contract that we were kind of obligated to fulfill," said Mike Morgan, Director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
"It was very frustrating that there were a lot of delays in the process that were beyond our control. But to be clear, it’s not like these crews have been sitting in an office twiddling their thumbs. We’ve sent them to schools, simulators, all these different things," he added.
The state's long-awaited helicopter is expected to make its official debut Wednesday as it will be a backdrop at an event featuring the governor.
Authorities hope it will be operational for the summer wildfire season. while the second Firehawk is set to be delivered next year.
