Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Routt County Board of Commissioners recently prioritized funding applications from four entities in the county.

The commissioners reviewed applications for Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance money from the state's Department of Local Affairs. The grants assist communities that are affected by energy and mineral development. Money for the grants comes from coal mines and oil and gas producers, commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said.

To prioritize local applications, commissioners each filled out a score sheet, then added up the results, Stahoviak said. They considered topics such as the project's relation to health and safety, the number of people who would benefit from the project and the community's ability to pay for the project without the grant.

The top-rated project was for improvements to the Phippsburg Wastewater Treatment Facility. Officials asked for $149,000 to assist with a $298,000 project. The project would convert three of the facility's lagoons to a pond system and the fourth lagoon to a wetland. The electrical and mechanical systems also would be upgraded.

The facility is more than 30 years old, according to the application. It has had problems complying with Colorado permit requirements, and an engineering study has determined that the facility must be modified to promote compliance with Colorado water quality regulations.

The second project was to make improvements to the appearance of Oak Creek's Main Street, which is defined as Highway 131 from 1/4-mile west of mile marker 51 to mile marker 52. The project will include extension of sidewalks, the placement of streetlights, the addition of pedestrian crossings and the installation of tree grates, trees, benches and planters.

The project is estimated to cost $714,629, and town officials asked for $250,000 in impact money. It would enhance public safety for pedestrians and improve the appearance of Main Street, according to the application.

The third project was an application from the town of Hayden. Town officials requested $400,000 to help fund an $800,000 project related to Dry Creek Park. According to the town's application, other grant money was pending. The money would be used to construct two grass fields, one small field, a playground and a building for concessions, bathrooms and storage.

According to the town's application, the project will provide needed recreational facilities; there are not enough in Hayden to meet the town's population.

The project ranked fourth is for a new community center in Steamboat Springs. The current center will be torn down to make room for expansion of the Bud Werner Memorial Library. The previous Steamboat Springs City Council told community center users that the city would build a new center before the old one is demolished.

In its application, the city says it is planning to build an about 7,500 square foot center that will cost about $1.7 million. The city is requesting $600,000 in impact fund assistance.

The center will provide a meeting space for groups such as the Routt County Council on Aging, the American Legion, government entities, nonprofit organizations and private groups.