The first step toward the building of a multi-use events center at the Moffat County Fairgrounds was realized on Tuesday when it was announced that the Office of Just Transition intends to award Moffat County a $2 million Just Transition Community Funding grant.

The construction of an event center was an integral part of a feasibility study commissioned by the county.

Last November, C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc. presented the Moffat County commissioners with a comprehensive analysis on making “broader campus improvements to the Moffat County Fairgrounds in Craig” and to “diversify County revenues and serve as an economic development driver that will draw visitors from outside of the local area, particularly given that there are very few venues like this in the region.”

“This in turn will help to offset the impact of the closure of Tri-State Energy’s coal mines and the Craig Station power plant, by 2028,” the analysis stated.

According to the feasibility study, the intent was to “explore a range of fiscally sustainable options that will assist the County in making decisions about the future of the Fairgrounds.”

Among those options were to “maintain the core function of the Fairgrounds and facilitate the annual Fair and other major events, including Grand Old West Days, and to “increase year-round events, attendance and revenue generation, to maximize the Fairgrounds’ economic impact, and drive economic development and tourism.”

According to Roy Tipton, a project specialist and grant writer contracted by the county, the award will cover the architectural and engineering plans and specifications for what is envisioned to be a $49 million project.

“We did a master plan last year that developed the budgets and concepts for the project. This is the first step which is necessary to have in place in order to apply for future funding,” said Tipton.

And while funding for the total project is undefined, Tipton acknowledged that this is an important first step.

According to a news release from the Office of the Gov. Jared Polis, the project will support Moffat County’s economic transition strategy by capitalizing on year-round fairground utilization and enhancing opportunities for expanded use, generating increased economic benefits and cultural value.

“Colorado will continue investing in our rural communities and their economies. This new grant will drive economic development in Moffat County and I’m excited to see the impact this new facility will have in the community,” said Polis. 

The governor’s office also stated that funding is part of an ongoing effort by the Polis Administration, OEDIT and OJT to support communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants for employment to find new sources of jobs and property tax revenues.

Senator Dylan Roberts said in a statement that he is “grateful that the request by Moffat County for state investment in their new multi-use event center has been approved by the Office of Just Transition. It will bring economic growth, impactful events and vibrancy year-round to the Moffat County fairgrounds.”

Representative Megan Lukens said, “This new multi-use facility will help diversify our economy and create exciting opportunities for year-round activities and events that boost local business, foster new jobs and positively impact rural Colorado.”