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region (see Chapter IV for further discussion of this item). In essence, as <br />• it concerns WSCC's operation, the carat impacts have already been felt. Up <br />through 1980, it wne determined that WSCC case responsible for creating 510 <br />direct and indirect jobs in Delta and Gunnison Counties, which resulted in a <br />total population associated with the operation of 1,690, of which 1,053 were <br />in-migrants. The future increases in the workforce at WSCC will result in <br />approximately 78 additional jobs and 257 people, most likely in-migrants for <br />Delta and Gunnison Counties. <br />Third, it was detailed in Chapter II that a few municipal services are already <br />strained. The impact of 31 additional workers at WSCC could cause some <br />further problems, especially concerning transportation systems and educa- <br />tion. The impact on transportation systems would be felt most heavily on SH- <br />133. This impact is detailed in the following section. in terms of <br />education, the adverse impact is not directly attributable to WSCC. The basic <br />cause of the problem is that the number of births in Delta County increased <br />508 in 1977 and have remained at this higher level. This increase was <br />• probably due to a large, young married in-migration (see Chnpter II). These <br />children should begin reaching school age within 2 to 3 years. The recent <br />school construction program centered on high schools rather than elementary <br />schools. This increase in births, coupled with energy development, could mean <br />a straining of elementary school resources in the near future. The impact of <br />WSCC specifically on most municipal services is further detailed in the next <br />chapter. <br />Fourth, this analysis does indicate the importance of the coal mining sector <br />to this area. For example, should the Hawk's Nest operation close, between <br />$10-522 million in personal income, at least $300,000 in taxes, 1,500 people <br />and 600 jobs would be lost. If other operations also closed, the impact would <br />be extremely severe, especially for Delta County since it is the place of <br />residence for most coal-related workers. It therefore becomes necessary for a <br />spirit of cooperation and coordination to be expressed for the concern of all <br />parties involved. <br />• <br />48 <br />