Grants announced for coal transition support in Craig, Rio Blanco

February 3, 2025

Craig Press

Craig Station

Officials in Colorado announced Monday two grants awarded in support of Northwest Colorado as part of a broader initiative for coal transitioning communities in the state.

According to a news release, the city of Craig will receive $1,051,000 in support of the purchase of a property that will be used “for the development of a new business and industrial park.”

News of the grants on Monday came from the office of Gov. Jared Polis, the state’s Office of Just Transition, located within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, and the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Colorado created the Office of Just Transition within Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 to assist workers and communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs and revenues due to the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants, according to the news release.

The news releases announcing the grant for the Craig business and industrial park said the location would be, “strategically located with access to both the Union Pacific rail line and 1st Street in Craig, offering excellent opportunities for growth and investment. 

“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,” said Gov. Polis in a statement.

The other grant announced Monday will provide $100,000 to the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District for a Wolf Creek reservoir study and survey, “on the potential impacts of a new reservoir in Rio Blanco County.”