Colorado Governor Jared Polis visited Colorado Mesa University on Friday to conclude the 2019 Western Colorado Economic Summit upstairs in the University Center. Polis announced that Grand Junction is ranked 22 for high-tech GDP growth.
“We know how important Grand Junction is to our state,” Polis said. “In fact Mesa County has the strongest GDP of any county outside of the Denver metropolitan area. And you should be proud of that fact and what you’ve accomplished.”
Before moving into the question and answer portion, Polis thanked the audience for the opportunity to speak.
“When I was inaugurated, our focus was really ‘Colorado for all,’ and what that means is no matter where you live, according to the matter of who you are, your background, your gender, whatever, we want you to be able to thrive in Colorado, and of course here, we want to make sure western Colorado and specifically Mesa County are well-positioned to win the future because by working together and collaborating, we can truly make sure that our economy grows and that it works for everyone in orders of our state so we can truly realize the vision of Colorado for all,” Polis said.
Polis then received a question about Colorado’s broadband internet. Polis talked about his vision to improve connection in slower areas and “moving data.” He called the expansion of broadband access a “community collaboration.”
Polis received a second question about Senate Bill 181: the one regarding the oil and gas industry. The question regarded the possibility of a future Western Slope chapter of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, but Polis didn’t directly answer whether such a thing could happen.
Instead, Polis emphasized the local control the bill would provide for oil and gas.
“First and foremost, the price of commodities is far more determinative of the success of oil and gas than exactly what the regulatory structure looks like,” Polis said. “That doesn’t mean the regulatory structure isn’t part of it, but at $35 a barrel or, you know, national gas prices, it’s not much activity.”
Polis left to applause, concluding the Economic Summit. Before leaving, Polis visited the CMU Student Showcase, which was happening simultaneously.
