Rural Eagle Ford communities should tap into Rainy Day Fund for infrastructure improvements

The most recent economic impact report on the Eagle Ford represents the 4th installment in the series, and the latest results continue to surprise to the upside. The new numbers were released at the University of Texas at San Antonio's downtown campus. Speakers included UTSA associate vice president for Economic Development Robert McKinley, State Senator Carlos Uresti, Railroad Commissioner David Porter and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

Of particular note was the panel discussion by Eagle Ford city managers, moderated by South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable CEO Omar Garcia. The panel included Bruce Pearson from Pleasanton, Allen Barnes from Gonzales, Larry Dovalina from Cotulla, and Don Tymrak from Karnes City. The city managers highlighted many of the issues that they have had to contend with, as well as some significant success stories — all geared toward the ultimate goal of long-term sustainability for the their communities.

Cities and counties throughout South Texas continue to experience tremendous growth and stand to benefit from significant economic impacts as a result of natural gas, oil, and condensate development in the Eagle Ford Shale. Overall, oil and condensate production in the Eagle Ford has grown from 581 barrels per day in 2008 to over 1.1 million barrels per day as of June 2014. Natural gas production now tops 4 billion cubic feet per day. The Eagle Ford Shale continues to exceed expectations and currently attracts the most capital investment of any shale field in the U.S.

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The most recent study assesses the economic impact of the Eagle Ford Shale for 2013, including direct, indirect and induced impacts in the 21 counties directly and indirectly involved in production. Lavaca County was added to the geographical scope of the latest study. Part of the study also provided an analysis of economic impacts of related businesses such as construction projects, manufacturing investments, as well as upstream, midstream and downstream impacts.