The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District (MCFMLD) board is pleased to announce the creation of the Fall 2013 MCFMLD grant program. Using federal mineral lease funds, this competitive grant process was created to provide a new opportunity for eligible organizations to strengthen and enhance the communities of Mesa County.

Said Local Business owner and FML Board Member Craig Springer, “Mesa County’s FML Board has worked hard to create an FML funding process that invests today’s Federal Mineral Energy Dollars into our community and local economy for a better tomorrow. We feel fortunate to have these dollars available and want to be careful and thoughtful in how they are invested.”

Because federal law requires that funds are distributed to eligible entities: the state, or its political subdivisions; and that distribution are used for: (1) planning, (2) construction and maintenance of public facilities, or (3) provision of public services; the MCFMLD offers two grant programs along those lines. The Traditional Grant Program can award up to $1,000,000 for projects such as new public works or other capital projects, their replacement or repair, and the associated planning, engineering, design, or architectural costs. Funding is also available for public services addressing health, safety, and welfare impacts from federal mineral leasing activities, including but not limited to animal control, education, emergency services, protective services, recreation, social services, and transportation. The Mini Grant Program grants can award up to $50,000 for projects aligned with the MCFMLD Mission Statement and federal law. In this cycle, applications will be accepted until November 15 with awards made as soon as December.

The Mesa County FML District Board has accumulated approximately $2.9 million for use in this and future funding cycles. These funds represent a small percentage of the funds that the federal government receives from the leasing of public lands for energy development in Mesa County and are received through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Please note that availability of the funds for future grant cycles will depend on statutory and regulatory developments. If you have any feedback or questions you would like the board to address, public comments are welcome at MCFMLD Board meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00pm on Wednesday October 9th in the Community Room on the Basement level at the Home Loan Building, 205 N. 4th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

Please find the full grant application and additional information about the FML District at www.mesaFML.org. Bookmark this site as the MCFMLD plans to offer grant-cycles in 2014 as well.