Federal funding helps green jobs in Adams County | OPINION

Bob Dylan said it best: the times they are a-changin. And Adams County is changing with the times. Clean-energy jobs are growing in our region, thanks to innovative businesses that have gotten a necessary boost from new, federal funding opportunities that make starting or growing a business a possibility that would otherwise be too risky.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was adopted by Congress in 2021 with rare bipartisan support. This law authorizes the largest investment in clean-energy jobs in American history. This is good for slowing the warming of the planet, and it’s good for Colorado’s economy.

Savvy business leaders have taken advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create jobs that strengthen local economies while also doing good for the planet. Adams County is proving to be an ideal location for this burgeoning field.

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Our county has always been an appealing place to start a new venture. Across generations, various business ideas have been known to come and go, or to come and grow, adapting in step with Colorado’s needs and our ever-evolving way of life. Today as in generations past, Colorado’s Front Range is recognized nation-wide as a fantastic and supportive hub for innovative businesses that aim to provide good jobs while also making the world a better place.

It helps that Adams County has always been home to hardworking women and men who make the economy hum. From our longtime agricultural roots, to leadership in construction and manufacturing industries, along with energy and transportation innovations, businesses in Adams County have offered important foundational support for Colorado prosperity.

In recent years, one of the top priorities of Adams County leaders has been to attract environmentally cleaner and greener industries — such as Vestas Wind in Brighton, Amazon’s fulfillment facilities, dozens of logistics operations and direct air carbon capture facilities, to name just a few. With our proximity to Denver International Airport and to major road and rail corridors, along with our strong and qualified workforce, our county is well positioned to continue growing as a green technology hub. Adams County is a low-risk place for companies to build and grow.

VSK Energy is another example. Thanks to the funding incentives in the IRA, this solar modules production company plans to open a $250 million facility here in Adams County that will create nearly 1,000 jobs for local residents and those who want to relocate here. In addition to federal incentives, VSK will be able to take advantage of millions in tax credits from the state of Colorado. We know from experience having a facility of this size encourages other companies and other jobs to come to the area, creating a cycle of growth and opportunity that benefits us all.

Just last week, the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (SACWSD) broke ground today on the Klein Enhancement Project, an $80-million-exchange water treatment system that will provide a sustainable supply of high-quality drinking water to Commerce City and parts of unincorporated Adams County. This was made possible through a federal grant via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Federal funding such as the IRA and BIL has helped make it possible for these clean and green technology companies to bring jobs and economic opportunity to our county. A strong and vibrant Adams County economy that includes up-and-coming technologies isn’t a lofty goal, it’s a target within our reach. This gives us confidence to take action by continuing to welcome and support the businesses made possible by federal funding, specifically for new green jobs.

As county commissioners, our job is to ensure everyone who calls Adams County home has the opportunity to find a good job and enjoy a high quality of life. These federal dollars are bolstering our efforts so we can help the planet and our local economy in these changing times.

Emma Pinter, Steve O’Dorisio and Eva Henry serve as Adams County commissioners.