Infrastructure
The number of trucks and equipment traveling to well sites likely will have major impact on local roads. Employment opportunities in the industry and supporting businesses likely will bring new residents to rural communities, increasing demand for housing, schools, and other services.
Indeed, experience in Sublette County, Wyoming, found that natural gas drilling has significant effects on the local governments and school districts. Due to the population increase, including a dramatic increase in the number of school students, the county government and schools have acquired major infrastructure expenses, with major tax implications.
Infrastructure Resources
Webinar: 9-17-09. Kathy Brasier, Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology, and Walt Whitmer, Extension Associate, Economic and Community Development, Penn State Cooperative Extension
Powerpoint Presentation by FERC at Penn State Extension's Natural Gas Pipelines - Understanding the Infrastructure Development Programs September 2010
