USDA Rural Development awards Region 9 $90,000 to leverage timber businesses

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The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado announced that it will receive $90,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development to work with Eco Strat USA to identify timber industry assets and receive a Business Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone rating for Southwest Colorado.

The project will support the development of small and emerging businesses and will benefit existing logging and sawmill companies, transportation and logistics companies, as well as emerging bio-manufacturing companies.

Existing timber businesses could benefit from being a promoted BDO Zone to further develop supply chain and commercial markets.

“A significant part of Region 9 EDD’s work in economic development involves coordination and participation with regional efforts including helping to develop timber industry businesses,” said Laura Lewis Marchino, Region 9 executive director. “This project will work with existing groups including forest health and management efforts, which are prevalent in the region.”

The project area will cover Montezuma, La Plata and Archuleta counties, specifically including Pagosa Springs, Mancos and Dolores.

Please contact Region 9 at (970) 247-9621 or at www.region9edd.org for more information.