parking, and a boat ramp. “It’s where boaters and recreationalists can easily get onto the river,” she says, highlighting its growing popularity. The site, adjacent to Loudy Simpson Park, has become a focal point for local events and a gateway to the river’s natural beauty. The project takes on an equally important but more complex task two miles upriver. “Near the golf course and our city’s water intake structure, we’re rehabilitating outdated infrastructure while also creating the Craig Whitewater Park,” Kilpatrick explains. The park, designed for recreation and municipal needs, is set to include whitewater features and upland amenities, transforming the area into an integrated riverside park. While construction has faced hurdles, completion is expected by the end of 2025, with public access planned for the spring of 2026. Kilpatrick shares that feedback on the Loudy Simpson improvements has been overwhelmingly positive. “Visitors and locals love having a dedicated place to park and get onto the river,” she says, noting how it opens up access to non-permitted river sections, including the picturesque Little Yampa Canyon. The project has tapped into a previously underutilized asset, enriching Craig’s outdoor offerings and creating new possibilities for recreation-based tourism. PREPARING CRAIG FOR GROWTH WITH CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE To attract new businesses and support development, Craig has focused on upgrading its infrastructure to meet modern demands. Scott explains how Craig has embraced the idea of “horizontal infrastructure” as an incentive for development. “We look at what a developer or business might need to construct a facility, and we use grant dollars to put in things like water and sewer lines, gas, electricity, and broadband,” she says.These investments reduce upfront costs for developers and ensure sites are shovel-ready for projects. One key initiative is the Craig Business and Industrial Park, a 25-acre site next to the Union Pacific Railroad. Scott highlights how the city secured $2.5 million in federal funding through a Congressionally Directed Spending grant to begin constructing the necessary infrastructure. “We’ve also paired that with a $1,051,000 state grant from the Office of Just Transition to help acquire the property,” she adds. The goal is to fully prepare the site for businesses to move in and build without dealing with additional infrastructure expenses. Broadband inclusion in these efforts is essential for modern businesses. “When we talk about infrastructure, broadband is part of that equation,” Scott emphasizes, pointing out how crucial highspeed internet is for attracting a wide range of 85 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 CRAIG, CO
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