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40 assumes that population in the six municipalities would increase 131 per- cent over present levels (see Table 1). As indicated earlier, there is little ability or desire to rely on debt financing at the municipal level. Hence, there is a need for some fund- ing on a loan or grant basis (no repayment). The Advisory Committee strongly favors loans (repayments) over grants, but recognizes that in certain cases, repayment is not a practical alternative. Potential sources of monies that could be used for impact alleviation and methods of administering these funds are discussed in detail in Section IV. Inteqrated State Response to Energy Impact Problems likely to be experienced by a community impacted by large scale energy development are so numerous and complex that outside technical as- sistance is certain to be required. Such assistance is in part presently available within state government in Colorado. However, sources of tech- nical assistance are fragmented, and those having the technical expertise often do not have ready access to necessary funding sources. Also, im- pacted communities are often eligible to receive grants directly from the federal government, but these federal programs are frequently not tapped, at least not on a timely basis, because officials are not aware of the programs. There does not now exist anyone focal point at the state level where local governments can receive coordinated assistance in deal- ing with the multitudinous effects of energy development. Community Planning for Energy Impacts Local governments in energy-impacted areas have an urgent need for up-to- date, comprehensive contingency plans. Local government officials in the six,case study areas are faced with a tremendous amount of uncertainty; they are sometimes criticized for lack of planning, but do not have ready access to the basic variables; e.g., accu~ate employment estimates, con- struction schedules, projected capital investment, or funding to develop such plans.