COLORADO — The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Local Government awarded $15 million 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." 

In the San Luis Valley, several projects have been funded. Diego Garcia, district manager of the Baca Grande WSD, which will receive a $750,000 grant, told the Valley Courier, "The grant will be used for our Water System Improvement project. We plan to rehabilitate a well, tank, and booster pumps to provide a secondary source of water and additional pumping capacity."  

Harry Reynolds, public works director with the City of Alamosa told the Valley Courier, "The City of Alamosa was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from DOLA to help fund a much-needed sanitation facility. Our existing building, constructed over 50 years ago as a pulverizer facility, now serves as a garage, office, and break room—but fails to meet ADA standards, ventilation requirements, and proper separation from trash trucks. Identified as a priority in 2017, progress has been slow due to rising costs and competing demands. The new 5,500 sq ft facility on Old Sanford Rd, across from CDOT, will house our fleet, include proper office space and employee amenities, and provide a safer, more efficient work environment. Completion is expected in early January 2026." 

Other Grants Include: 

In Alamosa, the Boyd School Adaptive Reuse was awarded $123,000 for sidewalk improvements, and the SLV Council of Governments awarded $50,000 for Mini-Grants. 

The Fort Garland Water & Sanitation District will receive $105,000 to develop a comprehensive water system master plan, aimed at preventing future system failures and providing a safer, more reliable water supply. 

The Town of Saguache was awarded $600,000 for Water Distribution and System Rehabilitation.  

Del Norte WWTP was awarded $298500 for design and engineering.  

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's severance tax on energy and mineral production, as well as a portion of the state's share of royalties paid to the federal government for the mining and drilling of minerals and mineral fuels on federally owned land.  

Rural Economic Development Initiative Awards, were also announced: 

City of Alamosa - City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center - $134,030 

This project funds the workforce infrastructure component of the Alamosa Early Care Learning Center. It includes six observation rooms and a resource room to support the recruitment, training, and advancement of early childhood professionals, aiming to credential 50 new professionals by 2027 through hands-on training and professional development. 

Saguache County - Saguache County Launchpad - $15,000. 

This project establishes the Saguache County Civics Lab ("Launchpad"), offering paid high school internships on public sector projects to develop workforce skills, foster local engagement, and enhance economic resilience. The goal is to have 30+ internships/job placements and increase enrollment in technical colleges, apprenticeships, and colleges by 10%. 

San Luis Valley Council of Governments (SLVCOG) - San Luis Valley Economic Outreach and Engagement Project - $25,000. 

This project will establish a collaborative network of San Luis Valley economic development organizations and provide targeted resources to support local businesses in professional development.