This week, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced the latest market study grant recipients of the Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program. These grants will support Colorado communities interested in starting or growing local and regional semiconductor and advanced industries, including support for 15 counties and two tribes across the state.

“Colorado’s semiconductor ecosystem is primed for growth from within. By supporting its expansion in more parts of the state, we can help more Colorado communities leverage this opportunity and grow the state’s semiconductor industry,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman. “The grants announced today support our work to build a Colorado for All, helping communities across the state diversify their economies and benefit from the good-paying jobs these industries provide.”

The Semiconductor Industry Association places Colorado among the top 10 states with the resources and business ecosystem to support a strong semiconductor industry. The Colorado CHIPS Community Support program is one of several state programs launched by Governor Jared Polis’ administration to strategically grow Colorado’s semiconductor and advanced industry ecosystems, including the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credits and CHIPS Zones. The program was designed to foster the expansion of Colorado’s existing semiconductor and advanced industries while supporting their growth in new and emerging markets, including rural development.

“Colorado was ahead of the curve prioritizing the semiconductor industry for growth. Critical and emerging technologies are significant economic drivers and this funding opportunity helps to advance the goals of local economies outside of the front range,” said Michelle Hadwiger, Director of OEDIT’s Global Business Development (GBD) Division.

Through this program, GBD is working to uncover supply chain and value chain assets that support the semiconductor industry throughout the state. The latest grants, listed below, will fund market studies to identify opportunities for development as well as marketing and promotional activities to increase awareness of Colorado’s strengths in these industries.

• Northeastern Colorado Economic Development Organizations Consortia, $50,000: Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Logan, Washington, and Yuma counties
• Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, $47,000: Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
• Denver South, $45,000
• Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation, $50,000
• Routt County Economic Development Partnership, $50,000

Morgan Mining Expands In Mesa County

Late last month, construction, mining, engineering, and management firm Morgan Mining selected Grand Junction, Colorado, for an expansion project that will bring nearly 900 jobs to rural Colorado. The company also considered Tennessee for the project.

Morgan Mining currently has 226 employees, 196 of whom are in Colorado. The company expects to create 893 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $92,447, or 167% of the average annual wage in Mesa County. The positions will include engineers, electricians, and finance roles.

“We are excited to move forward with our expansion plans in Mesa County,” said Justin Morgan, President of Morgan Mining. “We decided that creating a mining-focused hub in Mesa County provided the best economic and growth opportunities for Morgan. From the outset of this expansion project, OEDIT and GJEP were very actively engaged with us and ultimately provided the support needed to tip the scales in favor of Mesa County. We look forward to continuing our relationship with these entities, as well as other local leaders, as this expansion moves forward.”

Morgan Mining provides specialized mining labor, production management, and mining supplies for mining operations and other ancillary services. The company plans to expand its business through additional contracts throughout the United States and identified the need to purchase a new site and refurbished mining equipment. The new site will serve as a hub for product and material suppliers to consign substantial inventory and equipment that would provide faster delivery to end users.

“I’m thrilled that Morgan Mining is expanding in western Colorado, bringing 893 new good-paying jobs to Grand Junction and Mesa County” said Gov. Polis. “Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business, and this exciting announcement shows that our leadership to lower costs for workers and build a strong workforce continues to attract businesses to our strong economy, strengthening our Colorado for All.”

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $10,890,875 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit for the company over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Morgan Mining (referred to as Project WesCo Mining throughout the OEDIT review process) meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.

“Morgan Mining’s investment into Mesa County represents a significant milestone for the regional economy,” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. “With up to 893 new jobs projected over the next eight years, this expansion provides incredible opportunities for local workforce development while reinforcing the region’s reputation for supporting industry growth. We are proud to partner with Project West Co Mining as they invest in our community’s future.”

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