Coal development in the Northern Great Plains: the impact of revenues of state and local governments

Book · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:5144207

Stinson, T F; Voelker, S W

Development of coal resources in the Northern Great Plains need not create major financial problems for State and local governments. But while total state-local revenues will be adequate, some levels of governments, such as cities, may face serious revenue shortfalls when they provide additional services. Others, particularly the states, will have a surplus. These estimates are based on coal mines typical of those which might locate in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, and on 1976 tax laws in those states. The estimates were obtained by using the ENERGYTAX simulation model. Cities face particularly serious financial problems, with potential expenditures for increased services outpacing new revenues by more than 2 to 1. School districts which receive large numbers of new students but do not have mine property within their boundaries will have similar problems. State and local governments may also face a cash flow problem when mineral development occurs. During the mine's construction and development phase, and during the period when the mine is being closed down, local governments will be required to provide services for the mine's employees at a time when tax revenues from the mine are minimal. Taxing at a rate somewhat higher than necessary during the operating years of the mine in order to provide the funds necessary for services during the low revenue years is one way the front end and closedown problems can be minimized. Finally, mines may inflict other social costs on the residents of a state or region. Increased taxes on the mines and decreased taxes on individuals can partially compensate for these costs.

• OSTI ID: 5144207
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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COAL MINES
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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STATE GOVERNMENT
TAXES
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