About MEDA
Why Craig and Moffat County formed MEDA, what it is for, and how it decides.
Why the Board was formed
The closure of Craig Station brought real challenges to the region: job loss, reduced tax revenues, and uncertainty about what comes next. In response, local leaders formed MEDA to ensure that recovery efforts are guided by the people who know the community best.
This is not a short-term grant program. It’s a strategy to invest carefully, build capacity, and support the next chapter of Moffat County’s economy.
A community-controlled resource
Through a multi-party settlement involving Tri-State Generation and Transmission, the City of Craig and Moffat County secured funding to help offset the economic impact of the coal transition. MEDA was formed to steward this resource locally, with clear goals and accountable decision-making.
The board operates with transparency and discipline, using community-driven priorities to shape its work.
The MEDA is established by Moffat County and the City of Craig to receive, hold and invest the coal settlement monies to fund programs, (which may include grants, loans, and other lawful uses of the Earnings as determined by the Authority Board from time to time), to encourage businesses and individuals to create new Primary Jobs and increase the property tax base in the County to offset the employment and County property tax losses from the closure of the Decommissioned facilities.
Our goals
MEDA’s mission is guided by clear priorities that reflect the long-term needs of Craig and Moffat County. These goals were chosen to address the most pressing impacts of the region’s energy transition—loss of primary jobs, declining capital investment, and reduced property tax revenue. By focusing on outcomes that bring lasting value, MEDA helps ensure that public funds are used where they matter most.
Job creation
The board supports projects that lead to the creation or retention of high-quality jobs that bring new dollars into the region by serving customers beyond the local market. These are the types of jobs that sustain families, reduce out-migration, and provide long-term career opportunities for local residents. By prioritizing job creation, MEDA strengthens the foundation of the regional workforce.
Capital investment
Attracting new investment in land, buildings, infrastructure, and equipment helps drive growth across multiple sectors. MEDA targets projects that build capacity, enhance local assets, and make Moffat County more competitive for future development. These investments support both immediate construction activity and long-term economic performance.
Tax base stability
Replacing lost property tax revenue is essential to preserving the services and institutions the community depends on such as schools, public safety, infrastructure, and more. MEDA invests in projects that contribute to long-term taxable value, helping local governments maintain essential services without placing additional burden on residents. A stable tax base is key to building a resilient and self-sustaining local economy.
Good Vibes River Gear, Craig 
Fitch Ranch, Craig 
Bad Alibi, Craig
What MEDA is
The Authority is a political subdivision and public corporation of the State of Colorado created pursuant to an Establishment Agreement entered in accordance to C.R.S. §§ 29-1-203 & 203.5 between the City of Craig, Colorado (the “City”) and Moffat County, Colorado (the “County”) for the purpose of managing and investing certain settlement funds granted to the City and the County to offset the closure of a coal power generation station, and other funds which may from time to time be received by the Authority, and deploying the returns of those funds for economic development initiatives benefitting the communities of the City and the County and to cover the operational costs of the Authority.
The Authority is governed by a volunteer board of directors (the “Board”) appointed by the Craig City Council, the Moffat County Board of County Commissioners, and the Moffat County School District RE 1. Agreement §3.3(a)
Founding dates
The City and County enter the Unopposed Comprehensive Settlement Agreement with Tri-State and the other settling parties, filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in proceeding No. 23A-0585E.
Date of the Guiding Principles the City and County approved for the settlement funds.
The Establishment Agreement creates MEDA; the County approves it with the first Investment Policy. Establishment Agreement
The First Amendment takes effect, simplifying how the budget is drafted and approved. First Amendment to the Establishment Agreement
The County adopts MEDA's 2026 budget and its projection through 2030. 2026 Budget and Projection Through 2030
The County approves the Amended and Restated Investment Policy. Amended and Restated Investment Policy