A Grand Junction-based coalition has received a grant of up to $625,000 to improve cyber security for environmental and national security infrastructure, starting with the Colorado River.

The Resilient & Adaptive Cyber Protection of Industrial Control Devices & Systems (RAPIDS) was among three recipients of Colorado technology hub development grants announced by the business funding and incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

The RAPIDS consortium plans to develop a series of initiatives to enable the secure and efficient management of water resources along the Colorado River that will serve as a model for river management nationwide. The effort also will include the development of college-level curriculum to support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and enhance the cybersecurity workforce.

John Marshall, president of Colorado Mesa University based in Grand Junction, hailed the effort. “We’re thrilled to be a part of such a diverse coalition focused on diversifying our economy and protecting our most critical infrastructure. This investment will help us continue our efforts to protect critical water resources right here in Mesa County.”

The Colorado CleanRange Coalition based in the Denver area, received a grant of up to $625,000 to support the adoption of clean energy technologies.

The Securing Space Assets Coalition in Colorado Springs received a grant of up to $750,000 to improve Colorado’s competitive edge in aerospace, defense and cybersecurity.