GRAND JUNCTION – Activities managed by the U.S. Department of Interior have resulted in about $8 billion contributed to Colorado’s gross domestic product primarily from energy and mineral development.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports that the Interior Department released a report Tuesday confirming the total economic output in the state resulting from department activities was more than $12 billion, the fourth highest output nationwide.

Department officials say the increase from 2017 was largely driven by growth related to the energy and minerals sector.

Officials say that sector accounted for about $6 billion of GDP and about $9 billion in total economic output.

Officials say department activities supported about 66,000 jobs in Colorado last year.

Officials say payroll, major grants and payments, and grazing and timber were other economic contributors to the state.