Media Contact: Chynna Cowart | chynna.cowart@state.co.us
The Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) Division of Local Government (DLG) awarded $39,036,715 across 73 projects for Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) grants in Cycle 24-03. These grants aim to assist political subdivisions affected by mineral and energy development, facilitating critical initiatives to improve various aspects of community infrastructure and services.
Funding for this cycle will support projects enhancing drinking water infrastructure, expanding rural broadband, constructing housing, improving road safety, providing childcare services, and revitalizing downtown areas. Financed by state severance taxes on energy and mineral production, as well as royalties from federal land mining and drilling, the grant fund facilitates essential community improvements.
The Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) has introduced three new initiatives: More Housing Now, Climate Resilience Challenge, and Main Street LIVE. These initiatives aim to support communities in integrating climate resilience, renewable energy, livability, and long-term sustainability through transformative projects. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to continue to apply for these programs.
“We are proud to witness the significant impact of EIAF funding across Colorado communities. This vital support addresses diverse needs, from infrastructure enhancement to economic development,” said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs. “EIAF grants empower local governments to implement innovative solutions, ensuring a brighter future for all Coloradans.”
Highlights of Cycle 24-03 Projects Awarded
1. Upper Pine River Fire Protection District: Fire Station 61- Urgent Care Clinic
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District was awarded $800,000 for the architecture and design for a new public safety facility to better respond to a public health emergency and provide a closer 24/7 urgent care for the district residents.
2. Rifle Downtown Railroad Ave. Rehabilitation
The Town of Rifle was awarded $1,000,000 for a water line replacement, ADA sidewalk
rehabilitation, and intersection upgrades to reduce water waste and repair costs while improving safety in the downtown corridor.
3. Glenwood Springs Blake Ave. Reconstruction
City of Glenwood Springs was awarded $1,000,000 for the replacement of their utility
infrastructure for increased safety, multi-modal transit access, reliable water supply, and
resiliency for future climate impacts and natural disasters.
4. Hayden Northwest Colorado Business Park Infrastructure
The Town of Hayden was awarded $1,000,000 for the construction of a gravity sewer system, and design & engineering for a geothermal utility for infrastructure resiliency, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction.
5. San Luis Town Plaza
The Town of San Luis was awarded $1,000,000 for a new town plaza construction for economic development and a community gathering space that will serve as a celebration of the cultural and historical identity of San Luis.
6. Akron Downtown Improvements
The Town of Akron was awarded $348,763 for accessibility, livability, and infrastructure upgrades in the downtown area to improve safety and create an outdoor space for the community to gather.
7. Del Norte Cherry Street Affordable Housing Infrastructure
The Town of Del Norte was awarded $440,275 from the More Housing Now initiative for horizontal public infrastructure to support a six unit, 100% AMI affordable housing development to encourage new development and catalyze action on dilapidated homes in the area.
8. Craig Woodbury Workforce Housing Infrastructure
The City of Craig was awarded $1,931,283 from the More Housing Now initiative for the infrastructure of a future 120 unit, 80-120% AMI workforce housing rental community with expanded access to recreation and regional transit services.
The next round of funding, EIAF Cycle 24-07, stopped accepting applications on April 1, 2024 and anticipates announcing final awards in July 2024.