Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rco G Grant Status topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Grand County staff says RCOG grant application remains possible but timing is tight
Summary
County economic development staff told the advisory board Aug. 27 that an intent to apply for the RCOG grant has been filed with the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and that staff and county officials are racing to complete overlapping contract and reporting requirements so a full application can be submitted.
Melissa Jeffers, Grand County economic development representative, told the board Aug. 27 that staff has filed an intent to apply with the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GoYO) for the RCOG grant and that a recent feedback meeting was “really well received.”
The update matters because the county must complete final reporting and contract review timelines before the GoYO application window closes; failing to finish the prior contract work on time would prevent a full application. “If we're able to complete the project and they're able to report and do that final report within the reporting time period, then we should still be able to submit an application,” Jeffers said. She added: “it is a wing and a prayer and a push,” and emphasized that county staff and partners have “pulled together” to try to meet the deadlines.
Jeffers said she and Deborah McKee of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity had a feedback meeting with James Dixon and that “he seemed to have really positive feedback and then some good things for us to be able to address and correct in the application process.” She cautioned the board that positive feedback from a reviewer does not guarantee funding because the grant is competitive.
Board members pressed for procedural clarity about related county contracts. Jeffers said contract review is ongoing and that Stephen Stocks has the contracts under review and that they should be on the commission agenda for ratification. “Stephen Stocks has had that for review and, should, be able to ratify it with the county coming up,” she said.
Discussion only: the advisory board did not take formal action on the grant at this meeting; members discussed timelines, the idea of earlier application outreach for future cycles, and the possibility of hosting an applicant workshop this winter. Jeffers and other staff said they will keep the board updated and that the county is pursuing multiple avenues (including federal and regional funding contacts) while continuing contract closeout work.
The board did not vote on or adopt any policy changes related to the grant during the meeting.
For now, Jeffers asked the board to view the item as an ongoing staff-led push: county staff and local partners have prioritized completing earlier contract reporting so the county can pursue the RCOG funding if timing allows. The board will revisit RCOG/RCG scheduling and outreach plans at future meetings.
