How Region 9's Infrastructure Boom Is Fueling a New Wave of Entrepreneurship in Southwest Colorado

Infrastructure Groundwork Paves Way for Growing Local Industries

After several years of infrastructure investment, Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado is shifting its focus to business growth, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification across the region.

This strategic pivot comes from Shak Powers, a lifelong Montezuma County resident and former county administrator, who was recently promoted to the organization’s deputy director role. Powers highlighted several challenges facing the region: drought-related stress on regional farmland and agriculture, a decline in oil and gas activity in La Plata and Montezuma counties, recent flooding in Pagosa Springs and Vallecito, and reduced tourism at Mesa Verde due to the federal government shutdown.

Shak Powers previously served as Montezuma County administrator and most recently as Region 9’s regional projects manager. (Courtesy Photo)

Despite these challenges, Powers remains optimistic: "However, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Entrepreneurs are responding to real local needs with local solutions that will help drive our economy forward. Housing is a great example. Companies like Higher Purpose Homes, Timber Age, and Jiffy Block are scaling up to meet the demand for attainable housing."

Powers has served as the district’s regional projects manager for the past three years, leading housing, broadband access, and transportation initiatives. He succeeds Brian Rose, who is returning to the private sector after over seven years with the organization.

In his new role, Powers said his priority is to support Executive Director Laura Lewis Marchino, staff, and regional governments. "My focus will be on strengthening internal systems, supporting staff capacity, and making sure our projects deliver value to the entire region," he said.

Key Infrastructure Investments Driving Economic Development

Powers emphasized that infrastructure funding received in recent years has laid the foundation for the next phase of economic development. Key investments include:

• Broadband Expansion: Region 9 communities received $35.6 million in Capital Project Funds for six broadband projects, representing 31.5% of all CPF funds awarded statewide. These builds are expected to supply and connect 5,400 homes in Montezuma, Archuleta, and La Plata counties, as well as the Southern Ute Reservation.

• Additional Federal Funding: Through the Colorado Broadband Office’s BEAD program, Powers said, totals $87.9 million in federal funding, alongside $32 million in local matching contributions and $27.5 million in state matches.

• Workforce Training: Programs such as three broadband fiber installation trainings in Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and Durango are providing support for construction and maintenance of new infrastructure.

Region 9’s economic development district services several communities, including counties Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan, as well as the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes. (Anna Watson/The Journal)