Contracting for Public Service Delivery: An Alternative for Boomtowns

Abstract

"Since the onset of the rise in energy costs in 1973, the U.S. has embarked upon an energy self-sufficiency program. One of the major components of this program is the increased use of coal and other energy resources. Many communities will be affected by such efforts as large-scale coal mining, construction of synthetic fuel and coal conversion plants,, and other energy-related projects. In some communities, residents have been favorably predisposed toward development in light of their stagnant or declining local economies. But in anticipating energy-related projects, local citizens tend to overemphasize economic benefits and to downplay or ignore the costs of development. However, as local citizens and leaders experience the actual benefits and costs, they may begin to use the political process to erect barriers against the development of energy resources. U.S. energy resources will continue to be developed. The question is, under what terms? Methods are needed to achieve a more equitable distribution of the costs and benefits of energy development."