Our economic feasibility studies are designed to weigh a host of options, or simply determine if a venture makes long-term economic sense.NEA’s experience is unmatched in designing and conducting full-scale studies that consider investment and operating costs, the time value of money, risk and uncertainty, quality of available data, and sensitivity of assumptions. We provide our clients with recommendations that make sense.
NEA helps clients weigh their options by carefully examining the available alternatives for a project, identifying risk factors, gathering credible economic intelligence, and by using quantitative analysis, fact-based research, and/or survey methodology to support theories and findings.
We have conducted economic feasibility studies in a broad range of areas. For example, NEA analyzed markets and conducted price analyses for a seed and hay growers’ marketing association to determine the economic feasibility of marketing to China, Japan, and Korea. We have also examined the role of recreation in economic development, the value of fish hatcheries to regional economies, and the economic significance of wildlife habitats. Land developers and public agencies have also turned to NEA for economic feasibility studies that examine the rezoning of land and its effects on housing, employment, and the community-at-large. NEA has also evaluated the economic feasibility of water development projects on numerous Indian reservations.
Project Highlights
Economic
Feasibility and Impacts of Timber Sale in Alaska
Harza Northwest, Bellevue, WA
NEA analyzed the benefits and costs and economic impacts of a proposed timber sale in the Tongass National Forest, in Alaska. In doing so, we developed baseline socioeconomic data for the Wrangell-Petersburg census area of southeastern Alaska; conducted an economic efficiency analysis in which the benefit/cost ratio and breakeven stumpage price for timber harvest were computed; and estimated employment and income impacts associated with the timber harvest using an input-output model for the impacted region developed using IMPLAN software and data.
A Business
Plan for the San Manuel Bottled Water Enterprise
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Highland, CA
NEA prepared a business plan for a bottled spring water enterprise on the San Manuel Indian Reservation. The study involved an evaluation of the feasibility of the project and of project consistency with economic development goals of the Band. NEA analyzed the funding requirements for the business, and developed a complete business and marketing plan for the enterprise. The business plan included costs of plant construction, business startup, and annual production, as well as pro forma estimated revenues, costs, and profits for several alternative marketing strategies.
Feasibility
Study and Business Plan for Forest Rehabilitation Service
Quartz Valley Indian Tribe, California Department
of Housing and
Community Development, Sacramento, CA
NEA conducted a feasibility study and prepared a business plan for a prospective Indian business in Northern California. The project was completed for the Quartz Valley Indian Tribe in Siskiyou County, as part of their economic development efforts. The business would provide a variety of forest rehabilitation services, such as watershed restoration, tree planting and maintenance, and streambed maintenance and restoration. NEA performed a detailed assessment of tribal and community goals and expected impacts of the proposed business, prepared a business and marketing plan, developed an estimate of start-up costs and pro forma projections, and reviewed potential funding sources for the business. The study was sponsored by the California Indian Assistance Program with the Department of Housing and Community Development.
