Clearwater County, Idaho

The Clearwater County, Idaho BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘A’.

Rating Issue Date: April 24, 2025.

'A' ratings indicate high prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure (FS&I) and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. The capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.

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BDO Zone RatingA

Rating

Certified supply

228,000 gt/yr

Feedstock

Woody Biomass

Rated

Apr 2025

Clearwater County, ID, 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-mile driving distance from the center point (Orofino, ID).

BDO Zone Assets

Supply Zone includes the highest producing timberlands in Idaho, providing reliable feedstock sources.
Pulpwood growth rates exceed harvest levels by more than 75%, supporting a sustainable supply.
Minimal competition for pulpwood and forest residues, with material often left unused.
Low housing costs at 36% below the national average, supporting workforce recruitment and retention.

BDO Zone Liabilities

Severe shortage of log truck drivers and loggers leads to significant operational constraints.
Dependence on a stable sawtimber industry for feedstock availability poses supply chain vulnerability.
Absence of natural gas infrastructure limits potential processing technologies and applications.
Wildfire and disease threats to forestland present ongoing risks to feedstock supply reliability.

Talk to us about Clearwater County, ID See all rated regions →

BDO Zone, 25 mi

Supply Zone, 75 mi

Competition Zone, 150 mi

Infrastructure

Orofino Site — Former Lumber Mill (Orofino, ID)

Location: 84 Grangemont Rd., Orofino, Clearwater County, ID — three miles east of Orofino
Site Size: +/- 42 acres, divisible into smaller parcels
Availability: Pricing and lease negotiable; owner can build to suit
Overview: A 42-acre property offering a viable opportunity for industrial development, particularly for forestry or wood-based enterprises. The site was previously used for lumber milling and retains infrastructure that can support a variety of industrial operations. Fully zoned for industrial and commercial use, graded and level, with access to essential utilities; existing connections help minimize initial infrastructure investment. One existing building on site, with water rights to a year-round creek.
Infrastructure:
- Electric: Clearwater Power Co (co-operative) — three-phase 12.5 kV service to the site on an existing service line; substation on site; all utilities extend to site. (208-743-1501)
- Natural Gas: None available — propane only, supplied by AmeriGas (investor owned). (800-263-1442)
- Water: Riverside Water & Sewer (municipal) — 6″ main (standard industrial), peak capacity 43,000 gallons/day. (208-476-3613)
- Wastewater: Riverside Water & Sewer (municipal) — capacity 880,000 gallons/day. (208-476-3613)
- Telecommunications: AirBridge Broadband (private) — satellite and wireless platforms; primary wireless available. (208-494-4343)
Transportation Access:
- Nearest highway: ID Hwy 12 (3 miles); nearest interstate: I-90 (175 miles).
- Rail adjacent but the line is not active; rail accessible with a spur available and rail infrastructure in place.
- Nearest airport: Orofino Municipal; nearest commercial airport: Lewiston, ID (44 miles).
- Nearest water port: Lewiston (44 miles).
Site Contacts:
- Susan Jacobson, Clearwater County Economic Development, 217 1st Street, PO Box 1826, Orofino, ID 83544, sjacobson@clearwatercounty.org, 208-476-8824

414 Wood Street Site (Weippe, ID)

3.7 flat acres across three parcels in downtown Weippe
Former site of a truss manufacturing company
Located just off Highway 11 with easy access
60′ x 100′ steel building with concrete floors and two 16′ x 20′ roll-up doors
40′ x 40′ attached pole building
16′ x 10′ office space and bathroom
Connected to city water and sewer
Three-phase power available
Ideal for light industrial or manufacturing operations
Located in a supportive, business-friendly North Central Idaho community

Pierce Site (Pierce, ID)

Two available parcels located in Pierce, Idaho
Suitable for development or investment

Local Grants and Incentives

Idaho Commerce — Incentives and Financing

Idaho Commerce administers the state's business incentive and financing programs, including tax reimbursement, workforce training and infrastructure support for new and expanding operations.

Idaho Incentives at a Glance

A summary of the state-level incentives available to businesses locating in Idaho.