Two new Coal Transition Community Assistance grants were announced this week aimed at supporting local economic diversification efforts in Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment made the announcement, explaining that these grants are part of the state’s broader initiative to support communities impacted by the decline of coal-powered electricity production in Colorado.
In Moffat County, the City of Craig was awarded $1,051,000 dollars to purchase property for the development of a new business and industrial park that will be strategically located with access to both the Union Pacific rail line and 1st Street in Craig. The City of Craig will collaborate with a private developer to begin the master planning process for the park. In addition to the Coal Transition Community grant, the project has been awarded $2.5 million dollars in Congressionally Designated Spending to cover horizontal infrastructure costs. The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District has been awarded $100,000 dollars to conduct a comprehensive survey and report on the potential impacts of a new reservoir in Rio Blanco County. The study will evaluate the impact of the proposed new reservoir on agricultural production, flatwater recreation, and a countywide water augmentation plan designed to increase the supply of water available for beneficial use. To learn more, visit CDLE.Colorado.Gov.
