La Plata County Economic Development Council is comprised of representatives from La Plata County Government, the City of Durango, towns of Bayfield, and Ignacio, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Fort Lewis College, DACRA, DIDF and La Plata Electric.

The Council is a excellent mix of public- and private-sector talents. Funding is provided primarily by LPEA with DIDF and DACRA augmenting the effort. They have been involved in expansion, relocation and retention of more than 40 businesses, which have created 650 jobs for Durango and La Plata County residents.

DIDF, developer of Bodo Industrial Park, has a volunteer board of directors and an executive committee composed of presidents from four financial institutions, the general manager of La Plata Electric and the owner of Coca Cola Bottling of Durango. Together they oversee administration of the park and help arrange financing for new development. For more information call (970) 259-1700.

Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado

Two programs of special interest are administered directly out of the Region 9 office. The Region 9 Business Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) assists with financing needed for business expansion in order to create and retain employment opportunities for low- to moderate-income persons. For more information, look under the Office of Economic Development section, Community Development Block Grant Program. The Enterprise Zone program provides incentives and tax benefits for private enterprise to expand, and for new businesses to locate, in economically distressed areas of the state. Additional information can be found under the Colorado Department of Local Affairs section, Colorado State Enterprise Zone. Contact: Mr. Ed Morlan, Executive Director (970) 247-9621, FAX:(970) 247-9513

Office of Field Services, Colorado Department of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs maintains a field office located in Durango at Fort Lewis College. Local Affairs mainly works with local governments on issues of administration, management and planning. The department administers the Energy Impact Grant and Community Development Block Grant. These programs assist local governments in improving public facilities and services such as water, sewer, fire protection, building and housing projects. The office often acts as a conduit to other departments and divisions. Ken Charles is the Regional Manager of the Durango Office and can be reached at (970) 247-7640, FAX (970) 247-9513.

Small Business Development Center

This office provides consulting and education services to small businesses both prior to start up and afterwards. Primary services involve assistance in formulating business plans, preparing documents for loan applications and general advice on a broad range of business operations. Jim Reser is the Director located at 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301 Telephone (970) 247-7009, FAX (970) 247-7623. or e-mail to RESER_J@FORTLEWIS.EDU

Office of Community Services

The Office of Community Services, supported by Fort Lewis College and a variety of grants, has these purposes: helping communities establish goals and objectives through citizen involvement, community workshops and leadership education; conducting community-oriented research; designing public buildings, parks and facilities; planning for economic development; and enabling student, faculty involvement in community service. The Director is Professor Sam Burns who can be contacted at (970) 247-7333, FAX (970) 247-7620.

Office of Economic Analysis and Business Research

The Office of Economic Analysis and Business Research at Fort Lewis College represents a contribution of the college to the process of local economic development. The office concentrates on research and reports on local business and economic conditions. It also acts as a clearinghouse for those needing extensive studies of a type that might be provided by faculty members. The Director is Dr. Vernon E. Lynch, Jr. who can be reached at (970) 247-7404.