The 1981 Monongalia (West Virginia) Area Survey (MAS) polled 485 townspeople and 220 students about certain attitudes and economic and social conditions in an area likely to be the focus of coal-based energy developments. Townspeople were predominately middle-aged, had a high prevalence of home-ownership, and had lived in the area for a relatively…

A review of existing research on community attitudes toward energy development in the rural West reveals an apparent paradox, although substantial social and cultural disruptions have resulted from energy development, local residents' opinions have been highly supportive of energy development. While residents may not receive the anticipated degree…

The first effort to estimate the impact of Community Resource Development (CRD) programs of the late 1950's and 1960's on the quality of life in Arkansas counties had confusing results. Researchers developed an estimation model to measure the impact of CRD activity on the 1960-1970 and 1960-1980 change in quality of life and used data from CRD…

The first part of this report contains a case study from each of the eight southern states participating in a late 1970s project which focused primarily on the organization of rural counties for making decisions that affect the well-being of county residents. In the second section, the study counties (identified as low income in 1950) are placed…

In evaluating the impacts of increased industrialization on small rural communities, some factors to consider are: how much employment and income will go to local people; will industry alleviate poverty; how will income benefits be distributed; and how will industry change community values, local politics and volunteer organizations, local…

The book is the final report of an effort to estimate the impact of Community Resource Development (CRD) programs of the late 1950's and 1960's on the quality of life in Arkansas counties. It details an estimation model developed by researchers using specially designed statistical procedures. The report also describes the data taken from CRD…

The First Statewide Legislative Symposium on Rural Development assessed New York's rural business, economic development, and employment potential. Growth in the economic potential of communities, favorable quality of life, and geographic accessibility have supported a decade-long influx of new residents to New York's 44 rural counties. The state…

In assessing impacts of rural industrial development, it is important to include not only economic impacts but the interface between organizational, political, and behavioral aspects with economic aspects. Though effects depend on a variety of economic and institutional circumstances, several observations can be made about how new manufacturing…

Experts from government, academia, and interest groups met to discuss and explore the impact of changes in agriculture, industry, and government in shaping events in rural agricultural communities. Texts of 15 of the 18 papers are reproduced in the proceedings, along with the letter of submittal, overview, an agenda, and a list of presenters and…

Since the burden of improving quality of life is often squarely placed on the shoulders of public decision makers, this report (one of the products of Project 2142) provides a basis for assisting county-level decision makers in the planning process. Statistics that "indicate" the social well being or quality of life experienced by people…