The Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District (FMLD) has awarded $2.6 million in grants to over a dozen local organizations as part of its 2025 fall grant cycle. 

“Once again, we had a very competitive grand cycle,” Gregg Rippy, president of the FMLD Board of Directors, said. “There were a lot of projects that were very deserving and we feel fortunate to be able to award as much as we did during this fall grant cycle.”

Operating as an independent public body, the FMLD distributes revenue generated from the development of natural resources on federal lands within Garfield County. Its mission is to mitigate the economic, social and financial impacts of federal mineral leasing by providing grants to affected communities. The district holds two primary grant cycles each year — one in the spring and one in the fall. 

Since its creation in 2011, the FMLD Board of Directors has awarded over $45 million in grants. 

On Thursday, the board announced recipients for both the Traditional and Mini-Grant programs, according to a news release from the district. 

Traditional grants typically support capital projects, including new public infrastructure, upgrades, repairs and related planning or design efforts. Funding may also go towards public services addressing health, safety and welfare issues stemming from federal mineral leasing, such as education, emergency services and transportation. 

This fall, approximately $2.35 million was awarded through the Traditional Grant Program. 

Fall 2025 Traditional Grant Program Recipients 

• Battlement Mesa Metro District: $300,000 for water and wastewater treatment plant clarifiers 
• Garfield County School District 16: $200,000 for propane bus project 
• Garfield School District RE-2: $300,000 for a security camera system
• Grand Valley Fire Protection: $150,000 for emergency response equipment
• Town of New Castle: $200,000 for emergency backup generators
• City of Rifle: $500,000 for Park Avenue road and bridge project
• Town of Silt: $500,000 for Grand Avenue utilities
• Town of Silt and Garfield County Housing Authority: $200,000 for Silt Senior Housing remodel

Mini-grants are available for projects that align with federal law and the FMLD’s mission. Organizations can also apply for up to $1 million through the joint grant program, which promotes inter-agency collaboration. 

Around $265,500 was awarded in mini-grants during this cycle. 

Fall 2025 Mini Grant Program Recipients 

• Battlement Mesa Metro District: $30,000 for Zone B tank mixer
• Colorado River BOCES: $30,000 for a new high school minibus
• Colorado River Fire Protection District: $30,000 for a chest compression device
• Grand Valley Fire Protection District: $24,500 for an emergency fire hose 
• Town of New Castle: $30,000 for police department firearm replacements
• Town of Parachute: $30,000 for a public utilities vehicle 
• Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Rec District: $21,000 for recreation center lighting
• City of Rifle: $30,000 for four-column lift project 
• Silt Water Conservancy District: $10,000 for computer system replacement
• Town of Silt: $30,000 for Stoney Ridge Park improvements