Pueblo Gets Share Of Tourism Funds, Aurora Gets Most

The Colorado Economic Development Commission today announced Aurora’s Gaylord Project and Pueblo’s Riverwalk Entertainment District as their selections for support under the Regional Tourism Act (RTA).

The Gaylord Project was approved to receive 65.8% of the new sales taxes generated, which is currently estimated to be $2.7 million annually or $81.4 million over 30 years.

Pueblo was approved to receive 24.7%, which is currently estimated to be $493,000 annually or $14.8 million over 30 years. Pueblo had requested nearly $60 million over 30 years.

To meet the RTA statutory requirements, a project must be unique and extraordinary that will lead to economic development, likely to attract a substantial number of out of state visitors and more likely to happen in the foreseeable future with the RTA award.

The Riverwalk Entertainment District includes an expansion of the Pueblo Convention Center, the Professional Bull Riding University, a new Boathouse/Gateway Center and a Regional Aquatic Center. It is anticipated to create more than 200 new operational jobs in Colorado.