More than $9.6 million has been allocated for grants to assist communities in western Colorado and elsewhere in the state transition from economies dependent on coal-fired power plants and coal mines.

The Office of Just Transition within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and Office of Economic Development & International Trade have joined to provide coal transition community grants. These grants are intended to support regional economic and work force development activities that expand businesses, create new jobs and diversity and strengthen local economies.

“Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to showing a commitment to the communities that will be most adversely impacted by this transition,” said Joe Barela, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “Colorado’s Office of Just Transition is the first of its kind dedicated to addressing this challenge, and these grants will help those communities that are most heavily impacted as they move away from coal dependence.”

Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Office of Economic Development & International Trade, said funding will ensure a Colorado economy that works for everyone. “Our coal communities are hard working and resilient. And with the right resources and support, we are confident they will thrive into the future.”

Utilities have committed to closing the last eight coal-fired power plants in Colorado by 2031, which in turn could result in the closure of some of the six remaining coal mines and also affect the businesses that support these power plants and mines. It’s estimated more than 800 power plant workers, more than 800 miners and an additional 1,000 supply chain workers will have to transition into new jobs or be offered viable retirement options as the coal industry winds down. In addition, a collective $3.2 billion in commercial property value will need to be replaced.

Between the Office of Just Transition and Office of Economic Development & International Trade a total of $9.62 million has been allocated for coal transition community grants. They include:

$5,152,538 for the Yampa Valley in northwest Colorado.

$3,058,192 for the west end of Montrose County.

$471,423 in total for Delta, El Paso, Gunnison, La Plata and Larimer counties.

$471,423 for Pueblo County.

$471,423 for Morgan County.

The Office of Just Transition and Office of Economic Development & International Trade have started seeking funding proposals from coal transition communities and will review them on a rolling basis. Staff from both offices will visit the communities through February to help with the application process and identifying eligible projects.