MEEKER | Following a disappointing outcome for the Town of Meeker’s first grant application with the Office of Just Transition (OJT), town staff and trustees met with Kirstie McPherson, representing the OJT to discuss strategy moving forward.
The Office of Just Transition was established by the State of Colorado “to support coal workers, employers, and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants upon which their communities depend.” Those communities: Craig, Yampa, Oak Creek, Hayden, Meeker and Rangely, are competing for funds. In the first round, Meeker did not receive the full funding for its grant request, prompting discussion about how to better prepare for future OJT grants.
McPherson said Meeker’s first grant application — geared toward business development and retention — was better suited for Round 2 of funding, and said her office is “trying to stage you guys” for success in the next round. Meanwhile, $220,000 from Round 1 is still “on the table” because two requests have been rescinded, including one from Rio Blanco County for a county grantwriter.
Town trustees agreed to move forward with a request for that funding to complete the redesign and redevelopment of the second floor of Town Hall.
Round 2 funding is expected to open up in September, and trustees discussed the town’s goals and challenges, including a housing shortage, lack of daycare facilities, and limited opportunities for manufacturing because of limited transportation capacity for shipping products. McPherson suggested “thinking ahead long-term,” when it comes to formulating the next application.
The board tabled the other business item on the agenda Tuesday following recommendations from the attorney regarding the river project contract with SWCA.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
