Press Releases

U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently traveled across the high country of the 7th Congressional District to hear from constituents, community leaders, and elected officials about the challenges they face, and visit sites where she has recently delivered federal investments. 

Earlier this year Pettersen secured $13.9 million in funding for 15 community projects, two of which are located in Lake County and will install infrastructure for an affordable housing development near downtown Leadville and provide surgical equipment for new outpatient specialists at St. Vincent Hospital. 

At her first stop in Lake County, Pettersen visited the future site of one of these projects, an affordable housing development outside of downtown Leadville. Pettersen successfully secured $850,000 for the Leadville Housing Authority for this affordable housing development, which will be walkable to downtown, stores, schools and the library. The project is in early development stages. The Congresswoman visited the site alongside local leaders including County Commissioners Jeff Fiedler and Sarah Mudge, John McMurtry, the Executive Director of Lake County Community Fund, Leadville Mayor Dana Green, and Director of the Lake County Regional Housing Authority Jackie Whelihan. 

Next, Pettersen visited St. Vincent Health, where she met with hospital staff to discuss her ongoing support for the facility and rural healthcare access. Rep. Pettersen secured $579,159 to purchase new surgical equipment for new outpatient Urology and Spine specialists. This funding is critical to bringing specialty care to patients in Lake County instead of forcing them to travel long distances for the care they need.

“All Colordans should have access to affordable housing and quality health care, regardless of where they live. Yet in many rural areas like Lake County, housing and specialty health care has become increasingly sparse.” said Pettersen. “I am proud to have partnered with the local community to secure federal funds for housing outside of downtown Leadville and St. Vincent Health. These two projects represent important investments in families and seniors in the high country, and it was wonderful to once again visit St. Vincent Health and downtown Leadville in person to see the impact these projects will have in Lake County.”

“Representative Pettersen’s visit to SVH was a great opportunity for dialogue. We are highly impressed by her commitment to the communities she serves. Her team is responsive. The engagement verifies that our concerns about the challenges facing rural healthcare are heard,” said Karen Onderdonk, Marketing and Business Development Director, St. Vincent Health.