PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | Governor Polis, the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) have partnered to fund pivotal economic development projects in Meeker and Yampa, Colorado. These Coal Transition Community grants are intended to support economic diversification and workforce development activities in communities whose economies have traditionally relied on the coal industry.
“The towns of Meeker and Yampa have put together visions for their futures that will grow local business and create jobs, and we’re pleased to support those efforts. This type of localized approach to economic development is key to building a Colorado economy that works for everyone,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
A $600,000 grant awarded to Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker will fund the implementation of a new electronic medical health record system, which has been identified as the first step to expand healthcare services and support long-term plans to develop medical tourism. In partnership with the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Pioneers Medical Center estimates that the conversion will directly create six new jobs and indirectly support the creation of 31 new jobs, with the potential for further job creation as healthcare services expand.
“We are thrilled to have received these funds, which will enable us to establish the foundation of our new electronic health records system, positioning us well for growth in the future. Since 2020, we have seen an average of 60% of orthopedic patients and 26% of hospital patients coming from outside Meeker. Given the decline of energy jobs, Meeker’s Just Transition Strategy has shifted its focus towards travel, tourism, and medical tourism as new sources of income,” said Liz Sellers, CEO of Pioneers Medical Center. “With the hospital’s three-year expansion plan, we aim to create jobs and make a positive economic impact for the future, establishing Meeker as the go-to destination for orthopedic specialty care. We are grateful for the support of the Norwest Colorado Development Council, OJT, and OEDIT in supporting the growth and economic efforts of our rural, critical-access hospital.”
“As the State Senator for Yampa, Meeker, and the entire Northwest Colorado region and as a legislator who has sponsored bills to fund the Office of Just Transition’s work, I am thrilled to see these communities receive this well-deserved support,” said Colorado Senator Dylan Roberts. “As our region continues to grapple with the economic and social impacts of the energy transition, strengthening existing assets like our great hospitals and helping small communities bolster and diversify their business community is so important. I am excited to see the positive impact of these investments and look forward to supporting similar efforts across the region in the months and years ahead.”
“I’m pleased to see this type of investment in rural Western Colorado communities,” said State Senator Perry Will. “These grants will help Meeker and Yampa put their visions for the future into action, improving healthcare services and growing local business communities while preserving our Western Colorado heritage.”
“Our coal transitioning communities are so essential to our economy and culture in Northwest Colorado, and the Coal Transition Community grants will be a tremendous benefit to our businesses and working families,” said Colorado Rep. Meghan Lukens. “I am appreciative of the collaborative partnerships between community leaders, local businesses and state agencies to support our diversifying economies.”
The Coal Transition Community Grant grew out of Colorado’s Just Transition Action Plan finalized in 2020, which outlines steps the State of Colorado plans to take to help communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants for employment find new sources of property tax income and jobs. Between OJT and OEDIT, approximately $9.62 million in funding has been allocated for Coal Transition Community Grants during this phase of funding.
