By Shannon Lukens.
Moffat County is getting a $2 million Just Transition Community Funding grant for a new multi-use events and resiliency center. It will be at the Moffat County Fairgrounds.
It will include a 45,000 square foot arena that can seat up to 6,000 people with 15,000 square feet of conference space. It is expected to create 30 full-time equivalent jobs through operations, renewable energy and hospitality, and bring in an estimate $1.2 million in sales tax revenue in its first five years.
The funding is part of an ongoing effort in the state to support communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plans for employment, to find new sources of jobs and property tax revenues.
Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco:
“I am 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,” said Roberts. “When I fought for this funding in 2022 (via HB22-1394) for adequate funding for our communities in Northwest Colorado who are trying to mitigate the impacts of the energy transition, these were the types of awards we envisioned. Along with SB25-037, which will ensure the Office of Just Transition is more responsive to local voices and needs, I’m glad to see more adequate partnership from the state.”
Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs:
“I’m thrilled Moffat County will receive $2 million to strengthen its economy and attract visitors to our corner of the state. 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. Congratulations, Moffat County – I can’t wait to experience all the future events this new facility will host.”
We are waiting for more information and will add it to the story when available.
Press Release on April 22, 2025, from:
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
Governor Polis, Office of Just Transition and OEDIT Announce $2 Million for New Multi-Use Events and Resiliency Center in Moffat County
DENVER — Today, the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced their intent to award Moffat County a $2 million Just Transition Community Funding grant to support the creation of a Multi-Use Events and Resiliency Center. The project supports 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 Governor Polis.
“The events and resiliency center should be a major catalyst to help Moffat County diversify its economy, attract new visitors to the community, and stimulate business creation and expansion,” said OJT Director Wade Buchanan. “Moffat County and the City of Craig are taking control of their economic future, and we are excited to be a part of that.”
The 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. Since 2022, OJT and OEDIT have dedicated over $8 million in funding to local economic development initiatives in northwest Colorado, including 18 grants to support community-led projects ranging from business parks and entrepreneurship centers to outdoor recreation attractions and regional planning efforts.
“The construction of an event center will support business growth in the area and increase year-round event tourism in Northwest Colorado,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. “We are happy to support Moffat County’s shift toward a more diversified and resilient economic model.”
The Multi-Use Events and Resiliency Center project is a key initiative within Moffat County’s economic diversification efforts, intended to foster new industries, conventions, and year-round event tourism. Located at the Moffat County Fairgrounds, the center will be five blocks from downtown Craig, adjacent to an Urban Renewal Authority. It will also be within walking distance of the Craig Depot station, a proposed station for Mountain Passenger Rail.
The new facility will be designed to LEED Gold standards with geothermal and solar power systems for year-round operations, and include a 45,000-square-foot arena with seating for up to 6,000 people and 15,000 square feet of conference space. In addition to spurring broader economic growth and diversification, the project itself is expected to create 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across operations, renewable energy and hospitality while earning the county an estimated $1.2 million in sales tax revenue in its first five years.
In northwest Colorado, Just Transition Community Funding has supported economic diversification projects across Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties, including support for a pumped storage hydropower project southeast of Craig, Pioneers Medical Center, South Routt Medical Center, the Town of Rangely and the Town of Yampa among others. In addition to northwest Colorado, Just Transition Community Funding is available for Fort Morgan County, Pueblo County, the West End of Montrose and San Miguel counties, and Delta, El Paso, Gunnison, La Plata and Larimer counties.
About the Office of Just Transition
Colorado created the Office of Just Transition within Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 to assist workers and communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs and revenues due to the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Its purpose is to help workers transition to new, high-quality jobs to help communities continue to thrive by expanding and attracting diverse businesses, and to replace lost revenues. To learn more about the Office of Just Transition, its action plan and the corresponding legislation, please visit cdle.colorado.gov/offices/the-office-of-just-transition.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. OEDIT partners with businesses and communities to offer financial, technical, and advisory assistance. From business retention services to incentives and funding, OEDIT supports economic growth across Colorado through its diverse programs and services. To learn more, visit oedit.colorado.gov.
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