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Economic Recovery and Prosperity Plan for Delta County
In 2014 Region 10, on behalf of Gunnison and Delta Counties, applied for and was approved for a U.S. Economic Development Administration FY 2014 Economic Development Adjustment Assistance Program Grant for Delta and Gunnison Counties. This grant was requested to improve and enhance the economic resiliency and sustainability of these two counties in Colorado after the recent closure of the Oxbow coal mine in Gunnison County, Colorado. The resulting mine closure is a regional economic emergency which is creating dire consequences for the affected counties. During 2015 and early 2016, with consultants from Better City, we are conducting an in-depth, visionary and data-driven analysis that prioritizes actions at creating a more diversified and robust economy in Delta County. The scope of work includes:
  • Economic Assessment (state of the economy report for the county which evaluates existing economic and demographic trends) - completed
  • Market Analysis (evaluate market data and conduct appropriate market analysis to determine opportunities for expanding and/or adding new economic opportunities) - completed
  • Report with Recommendations and Action Plan (actions that provide a level of prioritization based on economic impact in the region, job creation, and the long-term sustainability of the action) - completed
  • Feasibility Study Analysis on the top 1-2 ideas (completing a detailed feasibility study that may also include an operational plan if that is critical in the implementation of the action for one to two of the highest priority actions identified in the action plan, up to two complete studies) - in process
  • Monitor Results (provide a recommended methodology to monitor the effectiveness of plan implementation and of economic development)

The Delta County Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the County, City of Delta, DCED, Department of Local Affairs, Region 10 and the School District are working on implementation of three initial projects:

  • ENGAGE Innovation Center (Energy, Agriculture, Growth and Entrepreneurship)
  • Hotel & Conference Center
  • Riverfront Restoration and Recreation Enhancements.

Click on document for an Executive Summary of the EDA Study:

EDA Study Summary 2016.pdf

Delta County has completed three feasibility studies from the eight recommended projects. Feasibility studies were completed on:
  • Hotel & Conference Center
  • Riverfront Activation
  • Speciality Food Manufacturing Incubator
Prior to feasibility studies, three assessments were completed:

  • Overview of Proposed EDA Projects

    25 Apr 2016 12:12 PM | Anonymous

    Attached is a recent presentation of the proposed projects from the EDA Economic Resiliency grant.  This presenation gives an overview of the grant goals and identified projects as presented to DCED membership on April 22, 2016.  EDA DCED Projects.pdf

  • Feasibility Studies Identified for EDA Grant

    31 Aug 2015 4:14 PM | Anonymous

    The Delta County Steering Committee for the EDA grant has identified two projects for Better City to prepare feasibility studies for:  The Delta County Gateway Project and Food Manufacturing.  The Committee is exploring other funding options to do feasibility studies on the other identified projects.

    The Delta County Gateway Project was identified as a priority as the City of Delta is a primary entrance to the County.  Located at the intersection of HWY 50 & 92, this project will help differentiate Delta, create improved quality of life and bring an additional cool factor to living in Delta County.  The study will look at:

    •A national brand select service hotel

    •A riverfront development that would connect downtown to the river and recreation venues

    •Conference Center

    •Local food retail and dining experiences

    •This new development could attract regional visitation

    •This development would involve a mix of housing, retail and entertainment that leverages the beauty of the river

    Food Manufacturing: Working with local businesses involved with food manufacturing and processing and attracting additional food manufacturing companies to the county will improve the local economy. This facility could be tied closely with the food hub and signature retail center. It will take advantage of the abundance of locally grown and raised food products.

    The feasibility study will be for a facility that is capable of producing value added food products (i.e. Jams, jellies, sauces, baby food, etc). It will assess the costs of a building and equipment, operational costs, available local inputs and import requirements, and market demand. The analysis will indicate the total initial costs, the output that would be necessary to make the project viable, and assess whether the demand is sufficient to meet those output levels. The base scenario for the project will analyze costs and demand for the project without consideration for the organic center of excellence, retail venue, or food hub. The consultants will try to add some analysis of what they think would happen if those projects were in place, all of which would likely make the project more viable.    
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