FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 20, 2017 | Grand Junction, CO) – This afternoon, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 17-280 to extend the Colorado Economic Development
Commission (EDC). The signing took place during an event hosted by Rep. Dan Thurlow (RColo.) at the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP).

Rep. Thurlow, along with Senator Jack Tate (R-Colo.) and Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Colo.), were prime sponsors behind the Bill, which extends the current repeal of the Commission from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2025. The Bill further denotes language on how the Commission may appropriate future funds.

“The Economic Development Commission plays a significant role in growing and sustaining rural communities throughout Colorado,” said Rep. Thurlow. “Senator Tate and I are grateful for the Governor’s support of this Bill, which will ensure that the EDC can continue to back new and expanding businesses in the state for several more years.”

“In the last year, we have recruited eight new business endeavors in Mesa County, which together are projected to add over 600 new jobs and $25 million in new, annual salaries to the local economy by 2020. They are here because of the Rural Jump-Start tax credit, a program made possible by the EDC,” added Tim Fry, Chairman of the Board at GJEP. “The Governor’s continued support of the EDC is a testament to his greater efforts to extend the economic growth experienced on the Front Range to all parts of Colorado. As a member of the Mesa County business community, that means a tremendous amount.”

The EDC was created by the Colorado General Assembly to promote economic development across the state. The EDC approves loans and grants, including the Rural Jump-Start Tax Credit program, Strategic Fund, Regional Tourism Act and Job Growth Incentive Tax program. The Commission is also responsible for policy decisions concerning the state Enterprise Zone Program.

Jay Seaton, Publisher of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, represents Mesa County on the EDC board. For more information on the Commission, visit www.chooseColorado.com.