PROJ00294

• Contract/PO #: C153035
• Contractor Name: Carbondale, Town of
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 0
• County: Garfield
• Bill Number: SB 75-468
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

IV-4

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For this report, we are estimating one new suppott family for every new

coal company employed family. Some of the new coal company employees will

locate outside of Carbondale in El Jebe , Glenwood Springs or Redstone,

but we are estimating that 60 percent of the increase will take place in

Carbondale, providing utilities and services are available. Present esti-

mates indicate that the total population increase would take place in

Carbondale if housing were available; but, at this time, it does not appear

that housing increases will be able to keep abreast with the energy assoc-

iated population increases.

A 20-year projected population curve for Carbondale is shown following.

The growth sfown through 1981 is primarily coal related employment increases

and is calculated as shown above. From 1981 through 1996, the growth is

estimated on a 5 percent increase per year. This increase rate is far less

than recent population increases experienced by Carbondale and is considered

to be very conservative.

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WATER PROJECT'S EFFECT ON DEVELOPMENT

Growth in the Carbondale area appears to be imminent whether or not the water

system is improved tc handle demand. The increase in coal mining activity

is the prime stimulart for growth, and the coal mines are expanding their

operation and will ccntinue to expand whether or not the Carbondale water

system is improved. If the water system is not upgraded, development will

take place outside of Carbondale, probably in individual mobile home parks

with individual, less desirable water systems, providing a substandard

living environment contrary to logical planning practices.

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