The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) has awarded $780,000 to support 13 projects across the state as part of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program. The funding aims to help rural communities diversify their economies and build resilience.
“Colorado is proud of our economy and especially the role that our rural communities play in driving it forward. These grants are investments in our rural economies and will support small businesses across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“The REDI program demonstrates DOLA’s commitment to Colorado rural communities,” said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs. “From childcare to main street revitalization, this vital funding helps communities attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for rural Coloradans.”
Among the funded projects is the City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center, which received $134,030 to develop workforce infrastructure for early childhood professionals. Saguache County was awarded $15,000 for its Launchpad initiative offering paid high school internships focused on public sector work.
The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado will use $62,470 for equipment to expand geothermal drilling services and retain workers from the coal industry. The Town of Lyons received $16,500 to transform its Visitors Center into a space supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Sterling’s Retread Expansion Phase 3 project was granted $100,000 to grow a tire retread facility that serves Colorado as well as Kansas and Nebraska by repurposing truck tires and creating new jobs. Morgan County was awarded $87,000 to renovate its Innovation Center for business training and networking opportunities.
Other awards include funding for small business assistance programs in Eagle ($100,000), economic outreach in San Luis Valley ($25,000), downtown revitalization in Victor ($50,000), an agricultural marketplace in Custer County ($100,000), a hotel feasibility study in Akron ($15,000), a fairgrounds improvement study in Elbert County ($25,000), and infrastructure planning in Kiowa County ($50,000).
These projects are intended to address issues such as workforce development, job creation, economic diversification, community engagement, and access to resources across various regions of rural Colorado.
