New Industry Comes To Town
From outlaws and marshals,
to succeeding in the coal mining
industry, Trinidad, Colorado has
always been a city of legends.
At its peak, the population was
at an impressive 30,000. As the
mines closed and people began
moving away, the infrastructure
and population began to decline,
leaving many empty storefronts,
crumbling buildings, and the
population at a little over 8,000.
the city has
little interest in
turning back.
There are
currently
eight shops in
Trinidad, and
more to come
with the city
recently setting
the limit to 20
stores. Although
However, after struggling for
there are mixed
years, this quaint town is starting
feelings about
to come back to life, thanks to
the marijuana
the legalization of medical and
industry throughout the
recreational marijuana. The
community, many are optimistic
industry has brought in hundreds
about the changes the industry is
of thousands of dollars in tax
making to this potential tourist
revenue, has
haven. Life-long
intrigued
... anticipated collecting local and member
tourists from $200,000 in tax revenue... but of the marijuana
all over the
the city collected $800,000.. industry,
country, and
Brandon Pingel,
has created
is one of many
many new jobs as dispensaries
citizens excited about Trinidad’s
continue to open. CNN recently
recovery. “This is why I work in
spoke to city manager Gabe
this industry. I love this town, I
Engeland reporting, “They had
grew up here, and I want to see
anticipated collecting $200,000 in
it be successful,” Pingel answered
tax revenue from legal pot sales,
earnestly when asked about the
but the city collected $800,000 in
impact the industry is having in
taxes in just one year.” After this
Trinidad.
unpredicted success, it appears
It seems Brandon’s wish might
be coming true. Roads are being
repaired, old water pipes are
being replaced, virtually all real
estate in the historic district has
been purchased, several new
restaurants have opened, and there
are many more projects underway
throughout town. It’s becoming
increasingly clear that legalized
marijuana may be just the thing
Trinidad needs to get back on its
feet and reclaim its status as a
booming tourist destination, more
legendary than ever.
x
Daily Specials and Friendly Staff
1000 Independence Rd., Trinidad, Colorado
26
N
OPEN
DAILY:
719-846-0420
trindadshighercallingu.com
New legends magazine