Case study: Project Ranger
Dirt moves fast here.
A defense manufacturer searched the country for 1,000 acres and a county that could move. Sandoval County was one of three locations in the running. This is the clock.
147
days from IRB vote to groundbreaking
Aug 27, 2025 to Jan 21, 2026
1,000
acres in unincorporated Sandoval County
$220M+
private investment
300+
high-paying manufacturing jobs
$650M
estimated economic impact over ten years
The clock
Vote to shovels, milestone by milestone
-
Prep
Jun 2025
The county gets ready
The commission begins a run of 12 project actions, months before the announcement.
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Day 0
Aug 27, 2025
$125M in bonds approved, unanimously
Sandoval County is one of three locations in the running, and the other two are out of state. The bonds are conduit financing, so no county dollars are at risk.
-
Sept
2025
Leases finalized, notice of intent filed
Land control and paperwork are in place two months before the announcement.
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Day 56
Oct 22, 2025
Local incentive agreements approved
County economic development (LEDA) agreements follow the bonds. State, city and county development funds total roughly $10M.
-
Day 78
Nov 13, 2025
Rio Rancho signs on
City resolutions cover funding, water service and the road extension agreement.
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Day 82
Nov 17, 2025
Castelion selects Sandoval County
The company calls it a highly competitive nationwide search and cites talent and regional infrastructure.
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Day 147
Jan 21, 2026
Groundbreaking
65 days after selection, on 1,000 acres of undeveloped land. $220M+ in private investment and 300+ jobs.
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Day 307
Jun 30, 2026
15 of 21 first-phase buildings complete
Operations are targeted for year-end. In mid-June the Navy placed a $23.4M order for prototypes.
Got a project on a clock?
Talk to SEA about locating or expanding in Sandoval County. Confidential, free, and tailored to your site criteria.
