Local trails program receives funding for Garfield County projects

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps receives $10,000 donation, $6,000 from BOCC Association

PRESS RELEASE
March 4, 2019

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Garfield County Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) program is receiving a generous $10,000 grant from Crown Castle, as part of its “Connected by Good” program that gives back to communities. The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) have also added another $6,000 to help fund RMYC projects in 2019.

The Youth Corps program provides opportunities for local youth and young adults to take part in regional trail-building and outdoor infrastructure projects. Crown Castle, which builds and maintains communications infrastructure, “improves public spaces where people connect, promotes public safety, and advances access to education and technology,” said Crown Castle Government Affairs Manager Scott Harry.

Garfield County Vegetation Manager Steve Anthony suggested to the BOCC that the $10,000 grant could be used to fund much needed maintenance work with the Conservation Corps trails crew.

“If you so desire, the $10,000 could be used for their work on trail-building and outdoor infrastructure projects” he told the board.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky then suggested that the county could add some matching funds to extend the work schedule this summer.

“By adding some matching funds, we show our commitment and appreciation back to Crown Castle,” Jankovsky said.

The commissioners accepted the Crown Castle grant, and expanded on it with a matching donation of $6,000. Combined, the additional funds will cover the costs of two more weeks’ worth of work for RMYC’s Conservation Corp crew.

The local Youth Corps crews consist of the community development crew (ages 14-16); regional service crew (ages 16-18); and Conservation Corps (ages 18-25); participants are being sought now. Crew members can earn an AmeriCorps award up to $2,000, as well as a stipend. For further information on how to apply for these opportunities, please visit RMYC’s website at www.rockymountainyouthcorps.org, or contact Steve Anthony at 970-945-1377, ext. 4305.

The RMYC project list for 2019 will be unveiled at the March 18 regular meeting for the BOCC. The board agreed to include a match of $6,000 out of its supplemental budget to complement the grant.

Approval for the additional $6,000 passed unanimously, 3-0.