WSP11430

• File Number: 8449
• Description: Platte River Projects
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 5/1/1975
• Author: USACOE
• Title: Needs Identification and Supplement to the Plan of Study, Water and Related Land Resources Management Study
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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application of alternative futures. Five alternative futures were

defined for the entire basin and the effects of these alternative

futures on the planning variables were evaluated. This evaluation

included an indication of the direction and magnitude of change for

each planning variable. Alternative futures selected for analysis

included sustained growth (without condition), controlled growth,

economic crisis, energy crisis, and food crisis. An evaluation of

the effects of these harsh yet valid alternative futures on planning

variables provide insight into the uncertainties inherent in water

and related land resources planning in the South Platte River basin.

"Sustained growth" represents a future similar to the past 10

years. Characteristics include a continued annual population

growth rate of 2.5 to 3.5 percent, with population decline in the

rural areas, low unemployment, continued growth of gross regional

product, increased discretionary income and leisure time.

"Controlled gro>rth" represents a future consistent with the

goals of the "growth control" advocates in Colorado. Characteris-

tics include a population growth rate similar to the OEERS "Series

E" projected annual growth rate for the U.S. (1 percent) with a

stabilized or increasing population in the rural areas, increased

unemployment, a stable gross regional product, increased discre-

tionary income and leisure time.

Economic crisis represents a future in which the entire basin

along with the U.S. and possibly the world undergoes a period of

major economic instability. Characteristics. include loss of fiscal

stability, severe decline in gross regional product, decreased

income, and high unemployment.

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