Eagle Ford windfall fueling debate

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN — If South Texas' oil-producing counties thought this was the year they finally would tap deep reserves of state funding for the crumbling roads, lack of housing and increased water demands brought on by their energy boom, they might want to think again.

Oil and gas production taxes from areas like the Eagle Ford Shale have pumped billions into state coffers in the past two years. But as legislators carve into this year's projected $8.8 billion surplus, debate has grown increasingly fraught over what Texas owes counties at the center of the energy explosion.

Local lawmakers argue their districts have endured all the costs. But after a lean 2011 legislative session that saw deep cuts to public education and social services, those from other parts of the state are eyeing the oil windfall like eager heirs squabbling over a hefty bequest.

Facing a fight that pits the needs of a few counties against those of the state as a whole, DeWitt County Judge Daryl Fowler worries no clear solution will emerge before the current session ends in May.

More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/eagleford/article/Eagle-Ford-windfall-fueling-debate-4360840.php .

[Ilsa]

1. Better get it and use it before Uncle Rick hands it over

to some failing investment scheme.

My hope is that the cuts to public education will be restored, and that the counties bearing the brunt of rapidly crumbling infrastructure will get their roads and bridges rebuilt.