The Real AZ Corridor Offers Abundant Natural Resources,
Renewable Energy Resources, Good Access and a Great Lifestyle
Natural Resources:
- Lots of affordable, open private land, particularly on the Region’s eastern side;
- Abundant water resources;
- Soils that are ideal for solar storage, landfills and reclamation;
- Adjoins three National Forests, including the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the world;
- Varied geography with plentiful natural resources (water, land, forests, minerals).
Energy Resources:
- Three coal-fueled power plants, including Arizona Public Service’s Cholla Plant, between Winslow and Holbrook; Salt River Project’s Coronado Generating Station near St. Johns; and Tucson Electric Power’s Springerville Power Plant;
- White Mountain Stewardship Contract and the Four Forests Restoration Initiative (4FRI) are fueling the forestry industry and biomass-generated energy;
- Dry Lakes Wind Farm, Phases I and II; wind potential throughout Region;
- Biomass utilization grants at work in both counties.
Access and Transportation:
- Interstate 40 access (multiple interchanges);
- Good highway frontage opportunities; regional transportation hub;
- Good rail access throughout the Region (BNSF);
- Amtrak passenger rail service with a station in Winslow;
- Nine public airports serve the Region, including (7) in Navajo County (regional airports in Show Low and Winslow; municipal airports in Holbrook and Taylor; and Native American-owned public airports in Kayenta (Navajo), Polacca (Hopi) and Whiteriver (White Mountain Apache Tribe); and (2) in Apache County (municipal airports in St. Johns and Springerville);
- Show Low Regional Airport offers daily commercial passenger service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport;
- Eastern side of the Region offer access to Interstate 40 and eastern markets including Albuquerque, NM;
- Gateway to the Navajo, Hopi and White Mountain Apache Tribe nations.
Lifestyle:
- Exceptional four-season outdoor recreational opportunities;
- Regional shopping opportunities, including ‘big box’ and major retail;
- Good variety of lodging facilities;
- Good representaton of venues with 100-700 seating capacity, ideal for small conventions and corporate retreats;
- Golf courses, Sunrise Ski Resort and varied recreation throughout the Region;
- Route 66 history/attractions;
- Strong tourism industry with varied tourism attractions;
- Hondah Casino/White Mountain Apache Tribe partnerships.
