The Taos County Commission approved the Red River Brewing Company and Distillery (RRBC) for a New Mexico LEDA (Local Economic Development Act) grant of $150,000 in support of the company’s expansion plans to a second location in Red River, a new distillery.
Additionally, the Town of Red River Office of Economic Development and Tourism announced that the RRBC has been granted $22,754 in funds under the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP).
“We are pursuing the LEDA grant to expand the distillery production facility in Red River,” said owner and manager Michael Calhoun. “We are excited to be partnering with the State of New Mexico and Taos County. We’re a thriving business, growing, and adding people to our team all the time… One of the goals of this grant is to hire five additional people by this time next year and we’re gonna surpass that.”
Calhoun revealed to the county commission that the RRBC has three new hires lined up for October, “a young lady from Amalia, another from Taos, and another man from Taos.”
According to Calhoun, the distillery is already “partially producing” and the tasting room should be open by the upcoming holidays.
LEDA is a piece of state legislation first passed in 2002 to facilitate local economic development. Since then, 83 New Mexico communities have passed corresponding LEDA legislation, including the Village of Questa.
“To facilitate the funding process, Taos County has agreed to act as the fiscal agent for this LEDA grant. Serving as a fiscal agent ensures transparent financial management and accountability throughout the project,” according to a press release from the Town of Red River. “The collaboration between Red River Brewing Company and Distillery, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, and Taos County demonstrates a concerted effort to foster economic growth and create a thriving business environment.”
The Taos County Commission’s vote to approve Taos County Ordinance 2023-2 was unanimously in favor.
A recording of the Taos County Commission meeting is available at the following web address:
https://tinyurl.com/ynbcyfp6
