The Southwest Colorado BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘BBB’.
Rating Issue Date: April 25, 2025.
‘BBB’ ratings indicate good prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low current expectations of default risk in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered adequate, but adverse weather, supply chain, economic, or infrastructure conditions are more likely to impair this capacity over time.
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 centre point (Mancos, CO).
30-acre industrial site co-located with existing forest products operation
Shared infrastructure and expedited permitting potential
Utilities: natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, internet (low utility costs)
Highway access: U.S. Highway 160
Air access: Cortez Airport (18 miles)
Local workforce supported by vocational training programs
Low crime, affordable housing, healthcare access
Viable site for biomass projects with manageable infrastructure risks
Located 18 miles from Mancos on U.S. Highway 160
4.5-acre site zoned commercial
4,000 SF warehouse with office space
13,464 SF of flex space available
Green space lots with city water and sewer
Only industrial-zoned site in Pagosa Springs
Located in an Opportunity Zone, near Archuleta County Airport
Year-round recreation amenities nearby (hiking, skiing, disc golf)
Existing tenants include a sawmill and Forest Health Biochar business
Infrastructure: 3-phase electric, water, sanitation, natural gas, fiber/wireless broadband
Airport runway: 8,100 ft non-commercial at Steven’s Field
Available lots: 0.86 to 1.2 acres
Established business park owned by Dolores County Development Corporation (DCDC)
Ground leases available (separates land/building ownership)
Access via County Road H & Weber Park Loop (county maintained with snow removal)
Utilities: potable water, electricity, natural gas, cable, phone, summer irrigation
High-speed internet via Century Link
Septic and solid waste services available through local providers
Contact Info
BDO Zone Local Development Leaders
Businesses located in the Southwest Enterprise Zone—which includes all of Dolores, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties, and parts of Archuleta and La Plata—may qualify for several state income tax credits:
EZ Tax Credits:
Capital investment
Job creation
Job training
R&D tax credits
EZ Property Tax Abatement:
Local jurisdictions can offer phased property tax abatements on the increase in value from business improvements.
May include local sales tax refunds on equipment, machinery, and supplies.
8-year performance-based tax credit for businesses expanding or relocating to Colorado.
Credit equals 50% of the FICA tax per net new job.
Jobs must be maintained for 1 year to vest.
Credits can be carried forward for 10 years if not fully used.
⚠️ Projects must not start until the business is approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission.
Available in all of Dolores and San Juan Counties and parts of Montezuma, La Plata, and Archuleta.
Offers capital gains tax incentives for private investment in designated distressed areas.
Supports both business and real estate development.
For new, unique businesses with no local competitors, available in:
Dolores, Montezuma, Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan Counties.
Benefits include:
State income tax relief (business and employees)
State sales & use tax exemption
County/municipal personal property tax exemption
Access to grant support
Contact Region 9 Economic Development District or visit OEDIT.colorado.gov to learn more or check your eligibility.
In April 2025, Archuleta County hosted the Forest Health Council for a live demonstration of cutting-edge equipment that transforms forest byproducts into clean energy and high-demand materials. These technologies have the potential to drive local job creation and support critical needs like affordable housing.
More than just a technical showcase, the event highlighted how forest-based industries can play a vital role in building a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
“This is about more than just biomass. It’s about building a more resilient, diversified economy that balances our tourism strengths with sustainable industry and long-term solutions for local living,” said Veronica Medina, Archuleta County Commissioner.
This demonstration marks a turning point for Southwest Colorado’s forest health and bioeconomy future.
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