WSP03098

• File Number: 8200.765
• Description: White River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 10/1/1979
• Author: David E Fleming
• Title: Environmental Assessment Report - Rangely Project - Taylor Draw Reservoir
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

002712

2.

Economics and Employment

Blanco
second

The main industry supporting the northwest portion of Rio
County is oil and gas production. Agriculture is a poor
in the economy of the area.

The construction of the dam, clearing of the reservoir site,
and relocation of State Highway 64 will provide temporary employment
for 50 or more workers for a period of two to three years.

The supplementary and new irrigation waters are likely to
increase agricultural activity and will probably result in an increase
of 10 to 20 workers or farmers. Delivery of municipal waters from
Taylor Draw Reservoir to the Town of Rangely will not increase employ-
ment, inasmuch as these waters would replace or supplement those from
the existing system utilizing direct diversion from the river. The
town's growth will result from energy related industries, not because
it has a plentiful water supply.

The power plants, oil shale installations, and coal gasifica-
tion plants will require water. Most of these industries will be
located at or near the primary resource, coal, or oil shale, and are
not considering alternative sites. A few, such as power plants, do
have the option of different locations. Power plants assured of a
plentiful water supply from the reservoir would be more likely to
locate nearby with a subsequent boost in the economy.

Unemployment in Rio Blanco County has historically been low
-- among the lowest in the state. In the last ten years it has ranged
from a high of 4.2 percent in 1970 to a low of 2.2 percent in 1978 (1).
The labor pool for new construction projects is small and most workers
will come from outside of the county.

II-32