Transportation Impacts of Fracking in the Eagle Ford Shale Development in Rural South Texas: Perceptions of Local Government Officials

Authors

  • Dianne Rahm Texas State University
  • Billy Fields Texas State University
  • Jayce L Farmer Texas State University

Abstract

This paper explores the impacts on transportation infrastructure and transportation-related issues associated with the gas and oil boom in the Eagle Ford Shale region in rural south Texas. It begins with a general explanation of fracking and its general impacts along with specifics of the Eagle Ford Shale region. Drawing on data gathered both from crash trends and two surveys administered to public officials in the Eagle Ford Shale region, we present a description of the impacts of fracking on cities and counties. Crash trends between 2009-2013 overall show a 26 percent increase. Fatalities and severe injuries also increased by 49 percent. The survey results show that counties and cities are experiencing significant challenges in meeting increased demands placed on their transportation system by fracking including increased traffic and congestion, deteriorating roads, and increased cost of maintenance. Keywords: fracking, transportation policy, energy resources, rural traffic, oil ----------------------------------------------------- Cet article examine les effets sur les infrastructures de transport et les problèmes liés au transport suite au boom économique de l'industrie du pétrole et du gaz, dans la région de Eagle Ford Shale, dans le sud rural du Texas. Il débute avec une explication générale de la fracturation, de ses impacts globaux et spécifiques à la région de Eagle Ford Shale. En utilisant les données recueillies des tendances d'accidents et de deux enquêtes administrées à des fonctionnaires dans la région de Eagle Ford Shale, nous présentons une description des impacts de la fracturation sur les villes et les comtés. Les tendances des accidents montrent globalement une hausse de 26%, entre 2009 et 2013. Les fatalités et les blessures graves ont aussi augmenté de 49%. Les résultats de l'enquête montre que les comtés et les villes expérimentent des défis significatifs face aux demandes croissantes faites dans leurs réseaux de transport par la fracturation, incluant le trafic et la congestion accrus, la détèrioration des routes et l'augmentation des coûts de maintenance.

Author Biographies

Dianne Rahm, Texas State University

Dianne Rahm, PhD is Professor of Political Science and Honorary Professor of International Studies at Texas State University. She holds a PhD in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. Her research interests include environmental policy, energy policy, science and technology policy. She has published over 40 articles and book chapters and seven books.

Billy Fields, Texas State University

Billy Fields, PhD is Director of the Center for Research, Public Policy, and Training and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Texas State University. His research focuses on understanding the key elements of resilient communities. He is co-editor of the spring 2013 release by Island Press, Transport Beyond Oil.

Jayce L Farmer, Texas State University

Jayce L. Farmer is an assistant professor of public administration at Texas State University. His research interests include urban policy, local government administration and public finance. He has authored or co-authored articles that appear in Urban Affairs Review, Publius: The Journal of Federalism, and Public Performance and Management Review.

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Published

2015-07-14

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Articles