The City of Craig has received a significant financial boost with a $1,051,000 grant to purchase land for a new business and industrial park. This development is expected to bring economic opportunities to the region, with prime access to the Union Pacific rail line and 1st Street in Craig.

Grant Overview and Economic Impact

The funding was awarded as part of a Coal Transition Grant through the Office of Just Transition (OJT). In addition to this grant, the project has also secured $2.5 million in Congressionally Designated Spending to cover essential infrastructure costs. This financial backing is part of the state’s broader initiative to assist communities that are experiencing economic shifts due to the decline of coal-powered energy production in Colorado.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting these transitions. “Colorado is helping communities succeed in new ways, which will create more jobs for local workers and save people money. We are committed to helping communities in Western Colorado plan for the future,” he stated.

Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), echoed the governor’s sentiments. “Communities in Northwest Colorado are working hard to diversify their economies, and we are pleased to support those efforts. When economic development plans are based on local strengths and opportunities, we see greater impacts for Coloradans,” she said.

City of Craig’s Development Plans

Moffat County officials and Craig city leaders have welcomed the grant, viewing it as a major step toward sustainable economic growth. The planned business and industrial park will be strategically positioned to attract businesses looking for logistical advantages and economic incentives.

Craig City Manager Peter Brixius expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “The Office of Just Transition plays a critical role in promoting stability, recovery, and sustainability for regions like NW Colorado, as we anticipate the impacts from coal mine and power plant closures,” he said. “The acquisition of this property in Craig will establish a business park in an area that provides a skilled and ready workforce with a quality of life that includes world-class recreational opportunities right in our backyard.”

City officials plan to collaborate with a private developer to begin the master planning process for the industrial park. The additional federal funding will be used to develop roads, utilities, and other essential infrastructure that will make the area suitable for business operations.

Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District Awarded Additional Grant

In a related development, the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District has been awarded a separate $100,000 grant. This funding will be used to conduct a study on the potential impacts of a new reservoir in Rio Blanco County. The study will assess the effects of the proposed Wolf Creek Reservoir on agriculture, recreation, and water supply.

Alden Vanden Brink of the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District emphasized the importance of water management in economic transition. “Our economy is transitioning away from fossil fuel electric generation, and a reliable water supply is a key component of this critical economic transition,” he said.

OJT Director Wade Buchanan also highlighted the significance of the study. “This study will provide important information that will guide the future of the Wolf Creek Reservoir and help ensure that we understand the economic potential of the project,” he said. “By investing in such efforts, we continue to support the long-term prosperity of communities in the Yampa Valley.”

About the Office of Just Transition and OEDIT

The Office of Just Transition was established in 2019 within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to help workers and communities affected by the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. The agency aims to assist workers in transitioning to new, high-quality jobs, support local businesses, and replace lost revenues through strategic economic planning.

Similarly, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth in the state. The agency collaborates with businesses and communities to provide financial, technical, and advisory support. Programs under OEDIT focus on job retention, business incentives, and funding initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic development across Colorado.

Conclusion

The recent grants awarded to the City of Craig and the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District mark a significant step forward in Colorado’s efforts to support economic diversification. With funding secured for both infrastructure and water resource studies, local leaders are optimistic about the future. The industrial park in Craig is expected to attract businesses, create jobs, and provide long-term economic stability for the community. Meanwhile, the reservoir study will help determine viable solutions for managing the region’s water supply amid ongoing economic transitions.