Gov. Hickenlooper restores $20M grant program

Gov. John Hickenlooper has reinstated a program that will provide $20 million to local governments to help them offset some of the impact of the booming oil industry, the governor’s office said Tuesday.

The state’s increased general fund balance and improved budget forecast have revived the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant program, according to the governor’s office. The program was suspended in August 2010 to divert its funds to shore up budget deficits.

“The Energy Impact program is a vital financial resource to help address the impacts of energy and mineral production on local communities across Colorado,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “These funds repair and build roads, improve public facilities, build and restore water and sewer systems and help bolster the capacity of local governments.”

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The Legislature established the program, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in 1977. Its funding comes from state severance tax and federal mineral lease revenue.

Grants fall under two categories: one for projects that cost up to $200,000 and the other for projects that cost $201,000 to $1 million. Communities can apply for the grants starting Aug. 1 with applications due Dec. 3.

The state will decide on projects that can receive up to $200,000 in funding in February and on projects that cost $201,000 to $1 million in April.

“Making these dollars available once again to address local energy impacts will help fulfill some unmet needs and help our counties make strategic investments that improve the quality of life for Colorado citizens,” Chip Taylor, executive director of Colorado Counties Inc., said in the statement.