DOLA Awards $15 million Across 50 Projects to Upgrade Essential Public Facilities That Serve Communities—From Developing Workforce Housing to Expanding Town Halls and Childcare Centers
The Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) Division of Local Government (DLG) awarded $15 million across 50 projects in Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) grants from the latest application cycle, which closed in March 2025.
“Rural infrastructure helps ensure all Coloradans have access to clean and safe drinking water, housing , and safe facilities. By supporting this work in all corners of Colorado, we can ensure that our communities thrive,” said Governor Polis.
“Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance funds support projects across our state that are unlikely to happen without this funding,” said DOLA Executive Director, Maria De Cambra. “Over half of the projects awarded during this cycle support drinking water and wastewater systems, critical for the health and safety of Colorado communities.”
This grant program facilitates essential community improvements, including water and wastewater systems, resilient public facilities, comprehensive plans, and housing infrastructure.
Some examples of projects funded this cycle include:
- The City of Yuma will receive $850,000 to replace an aging cast-iron water line. This will enhance service reliability, support future growth, and prevent costly emergency repairs.
- As the Town of Granby recently celebrated the grand opening of Phase 1 of Nuche Village workforce housing, DOLA continues its support for this development by providing $750,000 for Phase 2 infrastructure, which will feature a robust water preservation plan.
- The Town of Iliff will receive $112,500 for the construction of a Town Hall. The town currently leases a small space out of the Head Start School that is inaccessible to the public.
- Pagosa Springs Medical Center will receive $150,000 for facility safety upgrades to reduce risks to medical staff and patients while strengthening healthcare access and workforce stability.
- Fort Garland Water & Sanitation District will receive $105,000 to complete a water system master plan to prevent future system failures and to provide a safer, more reliable water system.
- Garfield School District #16 will receive $66,500 for design, drawings and construction documents for a new childcare center to support working families, and aid local businesses through better workforce retention and recruitment.
The EIAF program assists counties, municipalities, and special districts that are socially and/or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels. Funds are derived from the state severance tax on energy and mineral production and from a portion of the state’s share of royalties paid to the federal government for mining and drilling of minerals and mineral fuels on federally owned land.
More information about this program is available on the EIAF program webpage.