RBC I The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarded the Rio Blanco County Road & Bridge Department a $1 million Energy Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) Tier 2 grant.
The funding will assist in making approximately $2,782,000 of roadway improvements. The project will provide an asphalt overlay of the entire 13 miles of RBC Road 24, which is the Ryan Gulch Road, an important route in the Piceance Creek Basin.
The EIAF program provides grants for planning, construction and maintenance of public facilities.
Eligible recipients include counties, municipalities, special districts and other political subdivisions impacted by the development, processing or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels.
Competition was intense, with 46 applicants, statewide, vying for the Tier 2 ($200,000 to $1,000,000) Impact money.
Of the $16,842,230 awarded, 28 received partial request funding and only eight received the full amount applied for, including Rio Blanco County.
Work is currently in progress with the contractor, United Companies, applying a leveling course to correct the depressions caused by heavy traffic. The asphalt overlay will follow, and that will provide a smooth, slightly “crowned” surface that drains properly.
The objective of the CR 24 project is to extend the life of the pavement for 7 to 10 years with regular maintenance.