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Investments for urban infrastructure in boomtowns

Journal Article · · Nat. Resour. J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7210934

Planning for coordinated investments in community infrastructures can avoid economic and social disruptions when sudden changes lead to inadequate facilities. Analysis of a community's infrastructure can be complicated by difficulties in projecting population shifts, acquiring investment capital, and defining the optimum level for satisfying demands. A flow diagram illustrates an investment scheme based on setting community goals and criteria on the assumption that trade-offs exist. Although further research is needed before the costs and benefits of urban infrastructure can be detailed, an indirect approach is proposed for modeling a composite community with a large construction project. Results indicate that urban infrastructure can affect wage differentials, which are related to educational facilities in boom towns. Suggestions for further study on private capital expenditures, the influence of expectations on wage differentials, cost benefits for the total population, and the community's mechanism for decision making are proposed for a better understanding of urban infrastructure. (DCK)

Research Organization:
Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque
OSTI ID:
7210934
Journal Information:
Nat. Resour. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Nat. Resour. J.; (United States) Vol. 17:2; ISSN NRJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English