The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District (MCFMLD) board is pleased to announce the opening of the Spring 2015 MCFMLD Grant Program. The MCFMLD oversees the distribution of Federal Mineral Leasing funds to local public entities by providing financial support to serve the infrastructure, construction, and public service needs of our community.

This competitive grant process provides two programs, each defined to create opportunities to strengthen and enhance the communities of Mesa County. The Traditional Grant Program was developed to support large-scale projects such as new public works or other capital projects, as well as public service projects addressing health, safety, and welfare impacts from federal mineral leasing activities. The Mini Grant Program can award up to $50,000 for smaller-scale projects.

Entities eligible for these programs are limited to the state and its subdivisions. Grant awards are made through a scoring process that evaluates important factors such as the project scope, community impact, and connection with the mission of the MCFMLD. In this cycle, applications will be accepted until March 8, 2015, with awards made as soon as April 8, 2015.

The Mesa County FML District Board has accumulated approximately $1.5 million for use in this and future funding cycles, which are typically offered twice per year. These funds represent a small percentage of the funds that the federal government receives through the leasing of public lands for energy development in Mesa County, and are received through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).

Public comments are welcome at MCFMLD Board meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 11th. Meetings are held at the Home Loan Building, located at 205 N. 4th Street in Grand Junction.

Please find the full grant application and additional information about the FML District at www.mesaFML.org.