Northwest Colorado Socioeconomic Analysis & Forecasts
One of the conclusions of Garfield County’s 2006 socio-economic study was that the county is strongly influenced by regional trends. Therefore, we collaborated with neighboring governments to re-engage BBC to assess the socioeconomic conditions in the four northwest counties – Garfield, Mesa, Rio Blanco and Moffat. The Garfield County Oil and Gas liaison served as project manager for the assessment, which included monthly meetings of representatives of the four counties, state government, Grand Junction, Rifle and Meeker.
Results of the study showed that infrastructure to support the predicted population increase and energy development will cost over $1B more than the local governments can raise and that the effects of oil shale development are very difficult to predict. The report was presented to the legislature in April 2008.