The March 11 Craig City Council meeting covered a wide range of topics related to nuclear energy, transportation funding and the city’s role in the Craig-Moffat County Airport. 

The meeting also laid the framework for upcoming discussions regarding regional transportation and economic development.

Mayor Chris Nichols and Councilor Derek Duran were excused from the meeting. That didn’t slow the chamber, which was chaired by Councilor Andrea Camp, from speaking about vital topics related to the city and its future. 

During the meeting, Councilor Randy Looper provided an overview of key legislative developments related to nuclear energy, which has recently become a topic of discussion in regards to the economic and energy-based future of Northwest Colorado. 

“Senate Bill 120…creates a nuclear workforce development education program to meet future workforce demand in the nuclear sector,” he said. “If that goes through, it’s pushing the nuclear and education and things that we need along with providing money for training with that.” 

Looper then presented information regarding HB 1040, which would add nuclear energy as a clean energy resource in Colorado. He explained that the bill would also open up clean energy financing for counties and cities if it were to pass. 

The council has, over the course of the last several meetings, acknowledged an increasing dialogue regarding nuclear energy possibly being a viable option amidst the region’s energy transition. With a statewide $1.2 billion budget deficit projected for the next fiscal year, there has been growing interest in alternative energy sources as a way to bolster local economies. 

The meeting also featured a spirited discussion regarding the Craig-Moffat County Airport Intergovernmental Agreement, which determines financial and managerial responsibilities between the city and county.

City Attorney Heather Cannon presented information clarifying the county’s ownership stake and decision-making authority over the airport before continuing to explain the foundation of the city’s financial involvement.

Looper questioned why the city should continue funding an airport it has no control over. 

“…if we are letting them own it and do whatever, why are we paying them anything?,” he asked. “If I’m going to let them have it, I’m going to let them have it. I don’t want to pay anything.”

Cannon noted that while records weren’t totally clear, the county has long held managerial authority over the airport. 

“…it’s always been my understanding the … county was primarily making the decisions for operation and management of the airport, and the city has historically helped to fund the expenses associated with the airport,” she stated.

Cannon promoted additional dialogue between the county and the city, stating the topic is “a good discussion for joint services … talking about the potential liabilities with regard to the airport, whether or not we want to incur that additional expense.”

The council ultimately approved the revised agreement, with Looper reinforcing the necessity of further discussions surrounding the management of the airport.

A new initiative, related to a letter of support for a $700,000 grant from the United States Department of Transportation’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, was proposed by Looper early in the meeting. 

The addition of the item resulted in an amended agenda, which was then approved by the council.

The grant would require no local match and would fund a master planning effort for commuter rail stations along the proposed rail corridor project throughout the Yampa Valley.

“The grant basically will give the county monies for planning around the stations,” Looper said. “… what they want to do is create a master plan and move those monies down to Craig, Oak Creek, Hayden, Steamboat, Yampa … where the stations are being built to use the plan as to what you want around the stations and what’s involved with it.”

Council members expressed optimism about the grant’s potential impact, noting that such planning would ensure alignment with Craig’s economic development goals. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the letter of support, continuing a dedication towards evaluating potential station locations, economic development opportunities and transit accessibility for Craig residents as they relate to the rail project. 

Council members also previewed two upcoming meetings which will focus on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and economic development planning. The RTA meeting will address cost projections, and gain public feedback, on proposed transportation projects, including the feasibility of commuter rail.

Council members noted the need for public engagement at these meetings, emphasizing that such input would help shape the future of Craig and Moffat County. 

In addition to transportation, the city will also hear presentations from economic development partners on ways to stimulate local growth. Council members also indicated that the meetings, which are slated for March 25, would include updates on infrastructure projects and workforce development initiatives.

Councilmembers, throughout the meeting, alluded to the fact that the city has some big decisions ahead, and that conversations surrounding energy, transit and the diversification of the economy are critical for the city’s future. 

With important meetings on the horizon, Craig is poised to possibly take significant steps toward securing an positive economic and infrastructural future.