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1 1 1 1 t 1 t ie t mcome statements are prepared in analyzing new business activities, and alternative financing packages are reviewed. Public involvement is an important aspect of many of the more than 4,000 studies BBC has completed since its founding. BBC has the internal capabilities to design and execute public participation programs for controversial water resources plans. Expert testimony is often a key part of BBC research assignments. Testimony has been provided before various levels of the court system, legislative committees, administrative agencies or commissions, as well as local governments throughout the West. Economic Aspects of Water Resource Planning Studies BBC's roots in socioeconomic impact assessment in the 1970's have lead to a sub- specialty in the water resource field--the examination of discrete social and economic considerations of water resource supply or market changes. In 1994, BBC analyzed potential long-term employment by sector, earnings, output and population growth resulting from water development in the Yampa River Basin in northwestern Colorado. Alternative methodologies were developed based upon the economic base approach and the input- output approach and results of the two approaches were compared. BBC is currently completing an assignment for the Texas Water Development Board and the Medina County Underground Water Conservation District regarding water transfers. We are developing a generic framework for evaluating the economic and social impacts of transfers of water supplies from one type of use to another, and applying the framework to a specific potential transfer in South Texas. The framework, essentially a recipe for conducting water related impact analysis, outlines methods for determining the impact area, identifying key aspects of proposed transfer alternatives, estimating direct and secondary economic effects, and evaluating social implications of potential transfers. • BBC played a significant role in the preparation of the Denver Area System- wide EIS. This was a $30 million environmental assessment process that identified future water needs for the Denver area through the year 2035 and the impacts of various water resource developments that would meet those needs. As one of four contractors to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, BBC was responsible for forecasts of water demand and the economic and social impact analyses associated with each of 19 potential water resources, includ- ing purchase of agricultural water rights. • BBC recently led work on behalf of a local water conservancy District in northwestern Colorado to evaluate the feasibility of refinancing debt incurred to construct its hydroelectric facilities, and the financial prospects of this district itself. This study involved an examination of hydrologic profiles and projection of future power sales revenues and costs of operation for the "run of the river" hydroelectric station. • BBC conducted a consulting engagement for the Ute and Collbran water districts to analyze ownership and operation options for water and BBC Research & Consulting 111-5