RBC | The Rio Blanco County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. in Meeker, Colorado. All three commissioners were in attendance.
Matt Solomon kicked off the session with a presentation on energy developments in Northwest Colorado. Solomon, who was appointed by Senator Rankin to manage a local energy project, emphasized the importance of community engagement in the region’s transition from coal.
“Last year, the state majority was against nuclear energy for various reasons,” Solomon said. “But after a year of our efforts, they changed their stance to support nuclear energy, provided we find a solution for waste.”
Solomon addressed misconceptions about nuclear waste, explaining that it’s not harmful fluids but pellets stored in concrete containers, which are now being recycled.
He discussed the results of a regional survey that revealed strong support for nuclear energy in Northwest Colorado. “We learned that 188.5% of people in Northwest Colorado support nuclear energy,” Solomon stated, attributing the figure to the level of enthusiasm expressed by respondents. He also noted that 425 people participated in the survey, with 250 residents from Rio Blanco and Moffat counties.
The survey was also circulated nationally, and Solomon pointed out that Northwest Colorado residents are more energy-educated than the general population. “This shows we need to be involved in decisions affecting our backyard,” he added.
The commissioners then approved several resolutions, including an extension of the AAA grant award for the White River Roundup and an amendment to the Rio Blanco County corral policy. They also passed Resolution 2024-29, extending the moratorium on wind and solar projects from Aug. 31, 2024, to Feb. 25, 2025.
Scott Marsh, the county’s director of roads and bridges, provided updates on local infrastructure projects. He reported that the Buford-New Castle Road is under repair following logging activities that damaged the gravel surface. “It’s a $40,000 project,” Marsh said. “We’re working to secure additional funding to fully restore the road.”
Marsh also mentioned ongoing work on the Ripple Creek Lot and preparations for bidding on a County Road 77 project. “We’re close to finishing County Road 4, just waiting on a few details from CDOT,” he added.
The meeting concluded with the commissioners providing updates on their activities before moving into an executive session with the County Attorney. The next meeting will be held in Rangely, Colo., at the Rio Blanco County Annex Building at 9 a.m.
By JARED HENDERSON