DENVER (CBS4) – The massive renovation plan for the National Western Complex just got an infusion of cash, and the money will make it a state-of-the-art hub for agricultural research, business and education, according to supporters.
The plan is to remake the site into a year-round venue that will attract not only a million new visitors, but a hundred new events — from trade shows and amateur sporting events to festivals and concerts. On Wednesday Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill into law that could help make it a reality.
“It’s a law,” Hickenlooper said while slamming his hand down on the table after signing the bill.
With that the state contributed $250 million towards transforming the National Western Complex into what one lawmaker calls the Silicon Valley of Agriculture.
“We’ve been running away from our agricultural roots as a city for a long time,” Kelly Leid with the City of Denver said. “This actually has reinvigorated us to think about how important that past is.”
Leid is heading up the project for the city. The master plan calls for not only a new equestrian center and stock yards pavilion for the stock show, but a water resources center, clinical trials facility and equine sports medicine clinic all managed by Colorado State University.
Leid said it will be a center for cutting-edge agricultural research.
“We envision solving some of the world’s biggest food issues on this campus,” he said.
CLICK HERE to read the full article
Source: CBS4
