Hickenlooper signs rural eco-devo bill

Gov. John Hickenlooper has signed a bill to continue funding for the Rural Economic Development Initiative, or REDI.

The program administers grants through the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade to boost business development in the state’s rural areas.

“We shouldn’t look for ways to stand in the way of smart, responsible business as it develops, rather, we should be by their side – all over Colorado, but especially in areas that need it most,” Hickenlooper said in a statement.

REDI has a total grant budget or $2.7 million, of which $530,000 has been awarded so far in 2014 to five projects located in Delta, Buena Vista, Brush and Crowley County.

There are an additional ten projects under consideration, representing $20 million in capital investment and more than 150 rural jobs, according to a release from the governor’s office.