National Western Center Update

There is a lot of positive energy surrounding the future National Western Center and its potential. Colorado State University Assistant Vice President for Engagement Dr. James Pritchett gives an update.
Pritchett: “Big election coming up in November when the city of Denver voters will be able to appropriate those funds. But the State of Colorado has already stepped in and said, ‘We’ll provide funding through Colorado State University to be able to develop several of the centers.’ So the ball is really moving.”
With the public’s renewed interest in where their food comes from now is the time for the many benefits and innovations that this project would offer. Pritchett continues
Pritchett: “Now people have a real interest in how their food is grown, what kinds of attributes it has, how it moves through the chain. The National Western Center gives us that chance to capitalize on and grow on that. They are very supportive of agriculture. That is one of the things that makes it super exciting for me.”
Currently there is discussion about what ag topics may be included.
Pritchett: “We talked about how do you select those areas of agriculture that you are really going to headline at the National Western Complex. Over the next nine months, we’ll be asking client groups, performing focus groups, doing some survey work, to really get a handle on what sorts of investments we can make in there — not only public investments but public and private partnerships as well.”