City of Craig reveals prior contact with Toto Labs — withdraws letter of support

Craig, Colorado, Mayor Chris Nichols formally rescinded a letter of support for Toto Labs' data center development evaluation, acknowledging the letter was issued without public City Council approval. The withdrawal occurred on August 11, after Nichols had signed the initial letter on July 14, which vaguely endorsed Toto Labs' interest in economic diversification for the community. City Manager KC Hume confirmed that the city fell short of public process standards by not presenting the letter to the council for public discussion and a vote.

The city's reversal coincides with similar transparency questions faced by Moffat County officials regarding their own preliminary discussions with data center companies, including Toto Labs and Pure-Green, concerning potential development near Trapper Mine. Residents expressed concerns about water, electricity, and land use during an August 5 Moffat County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. During an August 11 commissioners meeting, officials addressed transparency and discussed the possibility of a moratorium on data center development while zoning regulations are reviewed.

Both the City of Craig and Moffat County are now focusing on improved transparency and public process for future development discussions. Craig has committed to placing any future communication supporting or opposing private development on a public agenda for discussion and vote, and to disclose all contacts related to data center interest. Moffat County continues its review of zoning regulations for data centers, with commissioners discussing a potential moratorium. The broader issue for Northwest Colorado is how to pursue large-scale investment, such as data centers to offset coal industry declines, while ensuring residents are informed and have a meaningful role in decision-making.