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001237 . CHAPTER I II REGIONAL AND LOCAL NEEDS Large development of the coal and oil shale resources will result in significant population increases for which adequate advance planning is essential to avoid undue interference with the environment and the other activities of the region. One of the needs of the industries and the associated communities will be adequate supplies of water. The industries could also cause major air and water pollution problems unless adequate controls and techniques are developed to safegusrd the operations. Many of the economically attractive sites for hydro-electric power generation have been developed. Others have been considered and rejected because reservoirs or other features associated with the developments would interfere with esthetical, archeological, mineral or recreational values, eliminate existing usage of resources or pre- clude other potential development. In view of the continuing demand for energy and the depletion of other energy sources, there is a need for open-minded re-evaluation of potential, nondepleting, nonpolluting hydro-electrical developments as alternatives to other energy sources. . Distances from large markets and transportation costs have been a deterrent to establishment of industry. There is a need for better air and ground transportation service. Interstate Highway 70 when completed should serve as an effective east-west automotive route but improved highways and roads are needed to serve various localities. New and improved roads to recreational and scenic areas are needed at locations where the roads will not detract from the utility and esthetics of those areas. Commercial and unscheduled air service is available at several points but additional air transportation facilities are needed. Local Needs One of the most pressing needs of those portions of Delta and Montrose Counties included in the Uncompahgre Project irrigable land area is development that will assist in stabilizing the economy. Seasonal jobs related to agriculture and tourism are available in the summer months but lacking in the winter. Delta County in part- icular has much higher than average unemployment and underemployment rates. The 1964 Census of Agriculture shows that 43 percent of the commercial farms in the county have product sales of less than $5,000 annually. The annual income was 35 percent less than the national average and 43 percent under the state average. From 1950-1970, there was a 12 percent decrease in population and during the 1950-1960 decade there was a 25 percent outmigration of male labor between the ages of 20 and 60. . In recognition of this persistent unemployment and outmigration of labor, the Department of Labor has listed Delta County as eligible for Federal assistance under Title I of the Public Works and Economic Development Act. The intent of the Act is to provide assistance in planning and financing public works and economic development. 40