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Little Colorado River, Arizona

The Little Colorado River, AZ, BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘A’.

Rating Issue Date: April 2, 2024.

‘A’ ratings denote high prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.

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BDO Zone Rating

Little Colorado River, AZ, BDO Zone Overview

Feedstock quantities are expressed in bone dry tons per year (bdt/yr), while feedstock costs are expressed in USD ($). Maximum transport distance is based on a 75-mi driving distance from the center point (Springerville, AZ).

BDO Zone Assets:

Over 145,000 bdt/yr of low risk woody biomass available for new bio-economy industries.
Increased availability of woodland biomass expected from over-allocation of BLM and State Trust lands for future harvesting.
Below-average employee wages, housing, and cost of living compared to State and national averages.
Potential to acquire low-cost biomass feedstock in the local market for only a slight premium over current pricing.

BDO Zone Liabilities:

Lack of direct commercial airport, natural gas and rail access within the BDO Zone.
Existing suppliers need substantial scaling up of biomass production to meet demand from a new bioindustry.
Significant transport distances to major market centers due to the eastern Arizona location of the BDO Zone.

The Foundation for Little Colorado Revitalization is a non-profit 501 c3 serving the communities along the headwaters of the Little Colorado in southern Apache County. Just as the water in the Little Colorado River is critical to the residents in our communities in providing a healthy, vibrant and beautiful place to live, the FfLCR wants the projects, services and resources it provides in our communities to be not only life sustaining, but also life enriching to those who live and visit our “neck of the woods.” Our communities are situated in the most stunning mountains and forests in the southwest. We’re not a “hidden gem” or a “best kept secret.” We are the heart and soul of Arizona. We’re resilient, fun, practical and compassionate people. Our lives are focused on family, friends, faith and literally “livin’ the dream!”

The FfLCR seeks to create, support, promote and lead projects and activities that encourage small business development, youth engagement and education, connect individuals and communities, foster wellness and preserve the unique features and cultures of the communities in southern Apache County. We are a grassroots member organization relying on community members and businesses to identify and prioritize opportunities, goals, and projects that will support and sustain the rural lifestyle of residents throughout the region.

We firmly believe that local, independent businesses are the economic backbone of a thriving and resilient community.

Priority Areas:

Coal Reliant Community Transitioning
Resilient Agriculture in Apache County
Business Expansion and Retention
Community Livability

Programs and Projects:

Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities
Business Expansion and Retention – Small Business Revolving Loan Fund
Lodging Study
Economic Leakage Study
Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone

Infrastructure

“Old Sawmill” Industrial Site:

Southeastern end of Eagar, comprised of 124 acres of industrial zoned land.
Site of the original sawmill as well as a small-scale biomass electricity plant which ran the sawmill.
Ingress/egress is manageable for heavy truck traffic.
Three-phase power, municipal water, and sewer are connected at the site.
Entire property is security fenced with a small ‘guard shack’ at the main entrance.
Office building (approx. 2500 sq. ft.) located outside of the fenced area.

Eagar Forest Materials Complex:

North side of highway 260, western end of Eagar toward Greer.
Right off highway 260.
Current Occupants: AZ Log and Timberworks, Laminators, Little Colorado Meats, RV Storage, and other wood processing yards.
Complex has access to three-phase power, municipal water and sewer, as well as truck traffic ingress/egress.