ABSTRACT
The projection of the public service impacts of resource developments is a major area of concern in socioeconomic impact assessments. As with other areas in impact assessment, the projection of public services utilizes conceptual bases that are relatively poorly developed and is an area for which prevailing practices rather than alternative theoretical perspectives have determined accepted techniques. In addition, it is an area in which the dimensions analyzed are both extensive and complex. The projection of public services requires a careful consideration not only of total service demands but also of other dimensions of service delivery and service usage in impacted rural areas. One of the most obvious factors affecting the level of new services required to meet the demands of new populations is the predevelopment service level in the site area. The projection of public services requires consideration of alternative conceptual approaches and numerous service dimensions.
