Click to view 'Pdf - FACT SHEET' for LaPlata County

La Plata County originally evolved as an agricultural community. Being seated at the base of the San Juan Mountains, mining fueled the local economy in the late 1800's. As of July 2004, La Plata County has a population of 47,173 containing three municipalities, Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio, the largest being Durango with 15,625 residents.

Currently, La Plata County has three primary components to its economy. The largest sector is tourism, comprising 25% of the County's wealth creation. The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the natural beauty of the San Juan National forest, Durango Mountain Ski resort and nearby Mesa Verde National Park combine to make La Plata County a popular destination for the tourist traveler. The second largest industry is the extraction of Coal bed methane gas. La Plata County produces the largest amount of natural gas in the State of Colorado. Gas production is responsible for 60% of the property tax revenue into the County plus additional income to residents in the form of royalties and impact fees. The most recent and fastest growing sector is the in-migration of people coming to take advantage of our quality of life. This has been a major boom for real estate, finance, insurance, construction and services. The natural attractiveness and small town quality of life associated with our region have also attracted a number of small businesses in niche manufacturing, lone eagles and professional services. Recent efforts in improved telecommunications infrastructure and air service have added to user friendliness for more of these types of companies.

Physical Description of La Plata County

Mention Colorado and most will envision picturesque communities inspired by those found in counties such as La Plata. Nestled at the southwestern foot of the Rocky Mountains, La Plata County is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest which creates a backyard of more than 2 million acres of pine forests, aspen groves, lakes, streams and spectacular views. La Plata County has a dry, comfortable climate and its air and water are among the purest in our country.

La Plata County Economic Development Action Partnership (LEAD)

La Plata County offers numerous opportunities for businesses wishing to relocate to Colorado or current Colorado businesses who wish to diversify or expand.

Current planning throughout La Plata County includes development of new business parks, plus enhanced telecommunications services and transportation options.

La Plata County Economic Development Action Partnership is considered by most in the community as the official "voice for La Plata County businesses and employers". This designation has afforded LEAD the opportunity to expand the organization into the realm of business advocacy. LEAD provides advocacy on long-term La Plata County projects that have significant economic benefits and community wide "trickle-down" benefits.

In addition to its' advocacy efforts, LEAD is currently involved in the La Plata County business industrial park and associated infrastructure development. Working in conjunction with the Durango Industrial Development Foundation and the Southern Ute Growth Fund, LEAD is continuing to identify potential sites and determine the best way to develop infrastructure.

In La Plata County, numerous resources allows LEAD to continue to offer services in the areas of economic research, existing business retention and expansion, new business development and business relocation.

 

La Plata County Economic Development Action Partnership (LEAD)
PO Box 3874
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 259-1700
(970) 385-7884 (fax)

LOCATION

CONTACT