A research study conducted by the Business Research Division of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business shows federal laboratories in Colorado together with their affiliates contributed $1.5 billion to Colorado’s economy in fiscal year 2010, and accounted for more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs. For a PDF copy of the Impact of Federal Research Laboratories in Colorado, 2009-2010, click here.
Net Benefits
Federal research facilities and their university affiliates have a strong economic benefit on the state of Colorado, with net economic benefits estimated at $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2010, $1.2 billion in FY 2009, $1.25 billion in FY 2008 and $1.11 billion in FY 2007. Of the state’s 24 federal labs, many are located in Boulder, Jefferson, and Larimer counties. Net economic benefits to Boulder, Jefferson, and Larimer counties totaled $463.8 million, $413.2 million, and $99.5 million, respectively, in FY 2010.
Employment
Employment at these facilities accounted for 7,964 direct jobs in Colorado and an additional 8,521 indirect jobs in the state for individuals who provide goods and services to the research operations and to off-site employees.
Other Benefits
The facilities occupy 4.7 million square feet of leased and owned real estate in Colorado. These facilities received significant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for construction. ARRA-related construction spending at the facilities topped $102.7 million in FY 2010.
Beyond the numbers, the labs provide benefits through research delivered to many constituents, outreach to schools, seminars, and public and private research collaborations. Colorado businesses and residents are among the beneficiaries of research conducted at these facilities, as well as companies that locate in Colorado to be near federal and academic research centers.