Reason TV has looked into the massive project that Martra Holdings is pursuing in Walsenburg, Colorado. An interview with the CEO, Brian Trani, suggests that the project could employ up to 500.
Walsenburg has embraced the project, which started construction in early November, and sees the greenhouse campus as a way to revitalize the town’s economy. Where other cities like Denver have acted to place strict regulations on marijuana grows, Walsenburg has made the decision to deregulate the process.
Walsenburg has also made the decision to not collect taxes on growers’ yield. Instead, they plan on making revenue by selling water that the town owns to the greenhouse facility. By removing red tape and partnering with the cannabis industry, the city hopes to attract 1,000 jobs to the area and add much needed revenue to the economy.
Summary
- Walsenburg, a former coal-mining community of 3000, is struggling economically
- Brian Trani, a contractor, realized that indoor grows were too expensive
- Martra will lease out 92 separate 15K s.f. greenhouses that are contemplated on 332 acres
- Operating costs drop from $100-200 per s.f. to just $40
- The project could lead to an improved supply chain and a more consistent product
- Walsenburg will make money on selling water to growers rather than through taxation
Read Alexis Garcia’s and Alex Manning’s “Can Pot Save This Colorado Town?”, which also includes the video below: https://reason.com/reasontv/2015/11/17/can-pot-save-this-colorado-town
