In addition to providing an information base for North Dakota decision makers faced with immediate coal development plans in Mercer County, this study is also designed to serve as a prototype for similar studies incorporating the format and assumptions of the Old West Regional Commission's "Procedures Manual". The investigation is limited to the economic impact on the private and public sectors of the temporary construction force and permanent operating personnel of the new facilities and focuses on those aspects of development which are subject to quantitative analysis. Included in the report are: a review of boom town experiences in the small, rural communities of Rock Springs and Gillette, Wyoming, and Langdon, North Dakota; a profile of Mercer County describing general characteristics, economic structure, population distribution, public sector infrastructure and governmental structure and planning activity; a description of the existing and proposed coal utilization and mining facilities; estimates of employment, income and sales, and housing needs resulting from development; an examination of the impact on major services of state, county, and city governments and school districts, and the expenditures required to provide the necessary services and facilities; a discussion of the revenue generating potential of the new mining facilities; and an outline of governmental actions such as zoning, loan programs, and revenue transfers that would minimize the net fiscal impact on public sector institutions. (NEC)