EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE ACROSS MANY INDUSTRIES
At the outset of a project, we help clients articulate the initial problem and scope. HE prides itself on our ability to customize a suite of solutions that focus on each client’s initiative. Using economic principles, our team studies the issues. As the project progresses and new discoveries are made, we bring new insight about the initiative to the client.
Our client list is diverse, covering a range of public and private concerns, government agencies and corporations. We work in many areas including Water, Natural and Environmental Resource Economics, Tourism and Recreation, Energy, Minerals, Litigation Support, NEPA, and Agriculture. Regardless of the endeavor, the types of questions that guide our team are fundamental.
FORECASTING
Estes Park Population and Water Demand Projections, Colorado
Working for Estes Park Utilities, Harvey Economics (HE) estimated future population and associated water demands within the water service area to support future infrastructure planning and capital projects. Population and water demands were projected over a 20-year period. Projections were developed for distinctly different population groups, including year-round and seasonal residents; day and overnight visitors; and other groups. HE considered regional growth trends, land availability, zoning limitations, changing local demographics, workforce housing needs, commuting workers, tourist visitation patterns, climate impacts, water use trends and conservation activities.
Morgan County Quality Water District Growth and Water Demand Projections, Colorado
Harvey Economics (HE) completed a growth and water demand study for the Morgan County Quality Water District. Population growth trends, anticipated residential development, business activities and agricultural operations within District boundaries were considered as the basis for the development of long-term water demand projections. In addition to residential sector growth and water demands, a major element of this work was an examination of water use characteristics of dairies, feedlots, and other large water users moving into the District. HE analyzed tap data, water delivery data, large water user data, land inclusions, housing development and master meters within the District when developing assumptions for future projections.
Wheatland Irrigation District Master Plan Financial Analysis, Wyoming
Harvey Economics (HE) completed a financial analysis of recommended infrastructure improvements for the Wheatland Irrigation District as part of an update to the District’s Master Plan. Two phases of improvements, each consisting of a series of SCADA components, canal improvement components and other structural components, would occur over a 10-year period at a cost of several million dollars. HE projected District revenues from assessments, lease contracts and other sources, and District expenses for operations and maintenance activities and capital improvements over a period of 20 years.
Feasibility
Green River Dam and Dike Valuation Study, Vermont
Harvey Economics (HE) prepared an economic analysis for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources related to potential State ownership of the Green River Arch Dam and Saddle Dike. The evaluation focused largely on associated hydropower facilities and recreational benefits of Green River Reservoir State Park. HE’s economic analysis considered the costs and benefits of six alternatives, including construction and other up-front costs, annual maintenance costs, recreational values and increasing costs of continued hydropower production under changing water quality regulations.
Dacono Development Market Study and Subarea Plan, Colorado
Working for the Urban Renewal Authority of Dacono (URAD), Harvey Economics (HE) developed a detailed market study for a 2,000 acre area located within the I-25 Corridor north of Denver (City of Dacono and unincorporated Weld County). HE identified specific viable market sectors (commercial, industrial, residential) for potential development within that area based on factors such as changing regional demographics, large-scale development trends and stated goals for the area as defined by local stakeholders. HE also quantified economic and financial benefits of alternative development scenarios, estimating benefits such as employment and revenues generated by sales taxes, property taxes and impact fees.
White Mountain Apache Tribe Cement Batch Plant Feasibility Study, Arizona
Working with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Harvey Economics (HE) conducted a market analysis and feasibility study focused on the reopening of a cement batch plant on the Fort Apache Reservation. HE estimated future revenues from operation of the batch plant based on the anticipated cement demands from proposed on-Reservation projects. Working with Tribal leaders, HE also developed estimates of operational costs, including items such as labor, materials, and mixer truck maintenance. HE’s financial feasibility assessment incorporated the up-front capital costs required to rehabilitate the existing facility. The market analysis identified other concrete suppliers in the region and analyzed the potential market share that the Tribal plant could anticipate serving.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
City of Lincoln Water Supply Second Source Evaluation, Nebraska
This study, completed for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, included evaluation of seven alternative water supply options, including expansion of existing wellfields, development of an off-channel reservoir, interconnection with the Metropolitan Utilities District and several Missouri River wellfield and surface water alternatives. Among a suite of evaluation criteria, Harvey Economics addressed the topics of Governance and Stakeholder Impacts. HE evaluated issues of equity, community impacts, economic impacts and environmental equity / justice for each water supply alternative. Economic impacts addressed topics such as economic stimulus generated by construction and the potential for stimulating and supporting regional growth along the I-80 corridor.
Leaburg Hydroelectric Project Triple Bottom Line Analysis, Oregon
The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) owns and operates the Leaburg-Walterville Hydroelectric Project on the McKenzie River. Completed in the early 1930s, EWEB has now dewatered the canal and ceased power generation due to observations of increased seepage and internal erosion of canal embankments. HE completed a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) analysis, identifying and quantifying the economic, environmental and social benefits and costs associated with a series of alternative actions, ranging from decommissioning to a full return to service.
Greenlink West Transmission Project EIS, Nevada
The Greenlink West Project (GLWP), which includes a 475-mile overhead transmission line, substation and ancillary facilities, was a joint development proposed by Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company. Led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the GLWP Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluated the effects of the Proposed Action and alternatives on specific environmental resources, including socioeconomic resources. Harvey Economics (HE) evaluated economic and financial details about Project construction, operations and decommissioning in order to estimate the economic effects upon local economies and the State of Nevada. IMPLAN modeling software was used to estimate impacts on employment, income and economic output within each of seven affected counties and the State.
Long-Term Planning and Other Studies
Wall Reservoir and Dam Rehabilitation Benefit Cost Analysis, Wyoming
HE worked with the Austin / Wall Irrigation District to quantify the economic benefits of rehabilitating the Wall Reservoir and Dam in Uinta County, WY. Benefits include additional water for agricultural operations ; reduced risk of flood damage to properties, human life and agricultural acreage; recreational opportunities; expanded and improved wildlife habitat; and improvements to water quality. Benefits were estimated over a 50-year period. A comparison of Project construction and O&M costs with Project benefits resulted in a favorable benefit-cost ratio, used by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in their consideration for Project grant funding.
104th Avenue Corridor Improvements Project Cost-Benefit Analysis, Colorado
HE completed a detailed benefit-cost analysis for the City of Thornton’s 104th Avenue Corridor Improvements Project. HE identified, quantified and monetized Project benefits over a 25-year period, including those associated with crash reductions, reduced delays (travel time savings), reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle operations cost savings, cyclist and pedestrian use of multimodal path systems, and health improvements associated with non-motorized travel. Both Net Present Value of net benefits and Project benefit-cost ratio indicated the benefits of the 104th Avenue Corridor Improvements Project outweighed the costs by almost five to one.
City of Fountain Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Analysis, Colorado
As part of an update to the City of Fountain’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Plan, HE developed recommendations regarding changes to the structure and amount of park development and trail development impact fees applied to new residential construction within City limits. Updated park and trails fee amounts were based on current recreational development costs, the City’s desired level of service and projections of future growth. HE also conducted research on “comparable communities.” Additional recommendations focused on phased impact fee increases, approach to annual impact fee adjustment, potential for impact fee application to future non-residential development and the implementation of fee credits under specific circumstances.