Cleantech Roadmap receives economic development grant

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DENVER - The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association received an $80,000 grant to develop a Cleantech Roadmap for the state.

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, provides the final funds for the $200,000 project, according to CCIA Executive Director Christine Shapard.

Other entities providing financial support for the roadmap include the Colorado Economic Development Commission, the Colorado Governor's Energy Office, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.

The plan is expected to detail the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the state's cleantech cluster. It will include a three- to five-year action plan for expansion in the industry.

"Over the past few years we have worked hard to establish Colorado as a national and international leader in clean energy," Gov. Bill Ritter said in a statement. "While we are well on our way, this new grant and roadmap will allow us to highlight our competitive advantages and continue to build an innovative and cutting-edge future for Colorado's New Energy Economy."

Shapard said that the CCIA will tap a nationally recognized consulting firm to pull together the state's core competencies and gaps in the cleantech sector.