Rangely

Rangely takes closer look at Better City’s development proposal

RANGELY I On Jan. 12, the Rangely Town Council and Rio Blanco County Commissioner Jeff Eskelson along with county Economic Development Director Katelin Cook met with the Better City group via phone conference to discuss funding and next steps in the process of redeveloping the town’s economic footing.

Several local business owners, Colorado Northwestern Community College and the Rangely School District were also represented.
In Rangely the primary projects being pursued are the growth of the CNCC Aviation Technology and Maintenance programs, a CNCC student housing project, development of outdoor recreation and a data center. The stated purpose of the projects is to provide higher-wage jobs in the community as well as diversify the local economy.
Much of the project has been modeled after a similar undertaking that was deemed successful in Blanding, Utah.
The meeting was run primarily by Eskelson and Cook, who first discussed funding mechanisms for the projects.
The first funding that will be required will be to pay for the consulting and implementation fees. Cook put the cost at $100,000. A grant covering 50 percent of the cost has already been obtained, and the town and county have agreed to split the remaining $50,000 with each committed to paying $25,000.
The secondary portion of funds needed will be determined on a case-by-case basis and as the needs become clear once the plan is set in motion. No potential amount was given, but Cook suggested that low-interest loans and grant funds could potentially be utilized.
“You’ve got to look long term,” Eskelson said.
The group then discussed several issues and concerns that had been raised by local citizens. The first was the worry that a large number of international flight students would shift the cultural basis of the town.
Eskelson tried to dampen these worries, saying that the students would want to experience western Americana.
“Twenty students won’t affect Rangely, Rangely will affect them,” he said.
Another question brought to the table was what had happened to the other ideas that were originally included in the Community Assessment phase of the project.
Cook informed the group that with the exception of the Asian Language Center, all ideas had been included but some of them had been combined into bigger projects.
One business owner wanted to know how set in stone the plans were and if there would be the potential to make changes along the way.
Cook responded that the plans were “conceptual” and could be adapted to what works.
The prospective amount of population growth was also discussed.
It is believed that the Aviation Mechanic program at CNCC will attract between three and five full time residents while the Aviation Technology program will be bringing in primarily students. The student housing project is estimated to add another three to four jobs early on.
Concerns about the amount of leakage (the amount of money that leaves town to be spent elsewhere) that the town continues to experience were also raised.
Better City responded that it is hoped that creating a well-built product locally would prevent leaking. All in attendance agreed that a full-service grocery store would have to be part of that equation.
Part of the leakage discussion also tapped into the number of oil and gas employees who choose to live in Vernal rather than Rangely, thus hurting the local economy and schools.
The idea of somehow incentivizing them to stay in Rangely was mentioned, but no formal plans were made.
Because a large portion of the plans—three of the five projects—revolve around the community college, CNCC President Russell George was brought into the discussion and asked about his intentions and view of the projects.
George told the group, “How much can we grow, is the question. We have already doubled from 20 to 40 students in the aviation program in the last two years.”
George expressed a desire to explore the ideas more. He also said he believes it is a good opportunity, however he is also concerned about how the infrastructure costs needed to expand would be paid for.
“I would be surprised if we could manage large growth,” he said. However, he followed up saying, “Growth is good for the college the same way it is good for the town.”
The county and town expressed a desire to keep the momentum rolling on the project by preparing for next steps.
Cook expects to quickly seek out competitive bids for the implementation phase (as is required by law) and hopes to finalize that contract by Feb. 8. At that time, the Town of Rangely and the county will also be working on a formal intergovernmental agreement (IA) for the project.
Eskelson seemed pleased with the work of Better City thus far, stating that they had undergone a very thorough vetting process when hired and were eventually chosen because they were one of the few companies that had experienced success with their plans.
“They have a proven track record,” he said.
The Rangely Town Council plans to vote on the IA, thus propelling the plan forward, at its next meeting on Jan. 26.

One Comment

  1. Has anyone approached Mr. Strigle about using his building for some of the classes since some of these classes sound like they would fall under his approved criteria? That may save on some of the cost I know someone at CNCC that would just like to spend , spend, spend and sorry but my budget is already maxed in taxes.
    Just a thought and I may be way out of line but it is better to use what we already have rather then spend more for just to have another persons name in lights.
    Thank you for
    your time

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@ht.1885
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1 day ago
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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4 days ago
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
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