EMPIRE, Colo. – Colorado’s $1 billion marijuana industry is helping some small towns stay afloat. A prime example is the town of Empire, in Clear Creek County.

The town has about 400 residents but has fewer than 10 businesses, according to Town Trustee Richard Sprague.

Sprague said three businesses closed in 2015, decreasing sales tax revenue for the town.

“Towns like this live on sales tax,” Sprague said. According to Sprague, the town receives about $100,000 in sales tax revenue each year. A good chunk of that money comes from its two cannabis dispensaries.

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Kevin Torres ~ KDVR.com ~