Montezuma County has been officially awarded a $300,000 energy-impact grant to use toward the cost of building a new jail.

The detention facility was one of seven projects awarded either grants or low-interest loans in the southwest region of Colorado at a total cost of $1.1 million. The awards were announced Dec. 3 by Bob Brooks, executive director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

The department oversees the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance program, which assists local governments in offsetting the direct impacts of energy and mineral development in their areas. Several years ago, the fund provided $250,000 for the paving of the McElmo Canyon Road.

Montezuma County had applied for a grant of $350,000 for its new jail, which received the go-ahead from voters in November.

Other projects receiving funds in southwest Colorado were Durango street improvements, $300,000; La Plata County roads, $300,000; San Miguel County office space, $150,000; Ridgway Fire Protection District pumper truck, $75,000; Ouray Community Center, $45,426; and Rico town manager, $21,500.