DENVER– This morning Senator Janice Rich’s (R – Grand Junction) bi-partisan bill SB23-006, Creation of the Rural Opportunity Office, passed unanimously in the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology committee. 

The bill will codify the Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) fully within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

“Oftentimes, rural communities are overlooked in the State Legislature when it comes to promoting economic opportunities,” Senator Rich commented. “Codifying the Rural Opportunity Office will serve as a vital step in ensuring rural Coloradans will forever have the resources and support they need to thrive. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, this office will empower individuals and families to build better lives and stronger communities.”

“I support the establishment of a Rural Opportunity Office because rural Colorado needs all the opportunities we can get,” House sponsor Representative Marc Catlin (R – Montrose) said. “This office will bring focus to what rural Colorado has to offer in regards to economic development and bring attention to the important work we do for all of Colorado.” 

The Rural Opportunity Office is tasked with serving as the central coordinator in rural economic development matters; working with coal transitioning communities to explore business opportunities; making recommendations to the Governor’s Office; and measuring the success of program outreach and conducting research to determine whether rural communities have received more funding as a result of the ROO’s efforts.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Janice Rich (R – Grand Junction) and Representative Marc Catlin (R – Montrose) along with Democrats Senator Dylan Roberts (D – Eagle) and Representative Barbara McLachlan (D – Durango).

The bill has been referred to the Appropriations Committee where it will be considered in the coming weeks. 

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