DENVER — The marijuana excise tax brought in more than $2 million for school construction projects in January, and when the state starts awarding grants for projects this summer the tax will contribute about $16 million.
Skyview Academy Charter School is looking for a grant to help pay for a new roof this year, and parents of students hope they get it.
“I hear about buckets and stuff in the hallways so yeah, I think it could definitely use a new roof,” said Matt Carlson who has a daughter who attends the school.
Carlson also lives across from Platte River Charter School, which is applying for a similar grant in hopes of making security upgrades. Luckily both schools have a better chance of getting their wish this year thanks to the state’s marijuana industry.
“Last year we gave out just more than $16 million in grants,” said Scott Newell, Capital Construction Director for the Colorado Department of Education. “This year we’re going to give out $50 million in grants and we expect to be at that level for the next few years.”
Colorado’s Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Program funds projects that improve Health, Safety and Security, relieve overcrowding or upgrade technology.
Oil and gas revenue from the state’s land trust, funds the majority of the program, but this year the excise tax on wholesale marijuana will add $16 million.
“At $16 Million, that allows us to do several more needy roofs or boilers or urgent needs in schools that we couldn’t otherwise do,” Newell said.
“Personally I’d rather not have marijuana in the state,” Carlson said. “But that’s where we’ve headed so we might as well put it to good use.”
And Matt believes leaky roofs and school security fit the bill.
“Going to the schools is always a good place to spend,” he said.
Schools will find out if they were recipients of the BEST grants late this summer.