BAYFIELD, Colo. – The $7.1 million sewage treatment plant in Bayfield now has 4 percent of its funding guaranteed, as an effort of Steamworks Brewing Co. has resulted in a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the town.

“The CDBG program provides funds to local governments for creating and retaining jobs,” said Kris Oyler, Steamworks CEO. “Because Steamworks might have had to move our 5,000 barrel capacity brewery out of Bayfield due to the inadequate sewer system, taking the jobs and direct based economic support with us, we were able to secure the grant. We are in a unique position to help the town.”

The CDBG program was launched by the federal government in 1975, and in Colorado, the Department of Local Affairs administers the grants. Steamworks worked locally with Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado to secure the funds for Bayfield. The emphasis is on helping devise innovative and constructive approaches to improve the physical, economic and social conditions that will benefit persons of low or moderate income.

“Part of our grant agreement is to maintain a minimum of 23 full time equivalent jobs for Bayfield with salaries ranging from $21,850 to $39,900, depending on the size of the family,” said Oyler. “This helps the community above and beyond the sales and property taxes Steamworks provides to Bayfield and La Plata County.”

“Also, the dollars from each beer sold in Texas or New York, or wherever, come right back to Bayfield,” said Brian McEachron, Steamworks director of marketing and sales. “As a manufacturing operation that produces our beers in Bayfield, to have them purchased elsewhere, we bring that money from outside into the town to sustain the economy here.”

Steamworks is currently distributing its beers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, with new markets opened in Minnesota and New York – and more on tap. Capacity is reaching its limits at the Bayfield brewery, and the operation will soon install 120 barrel fermentation and brite tanks, increasing capacity to 7000 barrels.

“We’re selling beer as fast as we can brew it,” said Oyler. “Our success enables us to give back to the town. We’re pleased we could facilitate the $300,000 CDBG grant.”

Steamworks is located at 442 Wolverine Drive in Bayfield Center, Bayfield (970.884.7837). The original brewpub is located at 801 E. Second. Ave., Durango (970.259.9200). For further information, visit www.steamworksbrewing.com.

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