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DENVER - Today, Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) spoke to the members of the I-70 Corridor Regional Economic Advancement Partnership (REAP) at their monthly meeting at Front Range Airport. This partnership is made up of representatives from the public and private sector and works to stimulate investment to increase opportunities for employment and strengthen the economy to improve life for citizens in the I-70 corridor. REAP represents Aurora, Watkins, Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, and Deer Trail and the Adams and Arapahoe County communities. Senator Hodge spoke to REAP members about 2012 legislation designed to promote economic growth and stimulate job creation.
REAP is working on several economic development projects including creating a regional plan for the I-70 corridor, increasing marketing efforts for the area, holding small business development center seminars, expanding entrepreneurship training opportunities in schools, and developing an updated transportation plan for Colorado.
Senator Hodge offered the following comment on the efforts of REAP today:
“It’s imperative to the economic growth of this region that we develop comprehensive and strategic plans to attract investment, create new jobs, and promote the I-70 corridor. This partnership represents an effective public and private collaboration to strengthen and improve the communities in the I-70 corridor.”
As a small business owner Senator Hodge has been actively working to promote economic development in Colorado throughout her career. In the 2012 legislative session Senator Hodge sponsored the Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act to create new business opportunities in Colorado’s already vibrant aerospace industry by making the state more attractive to new aerospace companies. The Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act is designed to generate new high paying jobs across the state by helping Colorado achieve a spaceport designation from the Federal Aviation Administration, a project being pursued by Front Range Airport. As Vice Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, Senator Hodge also fought for additional funding for economic development in the state.
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