National Western Center Could Become Global Epicenter Of Agribusiness
By CBS4 Reporter Dillon Thomas
DENVER (CBS4)- Years after committing to keep the National Western Stock Show in Denver, the city readdressed plans to create an epicenter for agribusiness in Colorado.
The project, named the National Western Center, is expected to be built over the next decade. The more than 200-acre venue would cost more than $1 billion, according to the Denver Mayor's Office.
"It is certainly one of the largest projects Denver has seen in a very long time," said Kelly Leid, the mayor's Executive Director of the National Western Center.
Though the expansion and renovation of the facilities will cost taxpayers, Leid said the opportunity is worth it.
"We are looking at nearly $7 billion in economic activity just on the entertainment side," Leid said.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the city's opportunity to lead and invest in agriculture across the globe was most exciting.
"The companies and organizations that have figured [agribusiness] out are where everyone will be focused over the next 25 or 30 years," Hancock said. "They are going to pay attention when it comes to water and to food and how we take care of the seven-to-eight billion people around the world."
Hancock said the National Western Center would also allow Denver to lead in research of agriculture. Colorado State University teamed up with the City of Denver to establish a future working relationship when the facilities are completed.
"We are really trying to tap into and impact generations that are to follow us. That is the power of this moment, and the power of the opportunity in front of us," Hancock said.
