The study, UTSA's fourth, examined the economic impact of the Eagle Ford Shale on the 21 counties directly and indirectly involved in production. The 15 core counties where activity is most prevalent are Atascosa, Bee, DeWitt, Dimmit, Frio, Gonzales, Karnes, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Webb, Wilson and Zavala. The six neighboring counties where significant activity not including extraction is occurring are Bexar, Jim Wells, Nueces, San Patricio, Uvalde and Victoria.

To date, oil and condensate production in the Eagle Ford Shale has grown from 581 barrels per day in 2008 to more than 1.5 million barrels per day as of August 2014, continuing to exceed expectations and attracting more capital investments than any shale field in the United States. That economic growth is making community sustainability a more achievable goal.

"The immense economic development is providing the wherewithal to address needs that are important to both industry and communities," said Robert McKinley, UTSA associate vice president for economic development. "Investments in infrastructure -- roads, water, wastewater, education, medical facilities and other things -- are the key foundational components needed to ensure the long-term viability of many rural communities in the region."

"The ongoing activity presents South Texas community leaders with a rare opportunity to ensure the long-term viability of their cities, towns and counties," said Thomas Tunstall, research director of the UTSA Institute for Economic Development.

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development is dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses and fostering economic development. Its 12 centers and programs provide professional business advising, technical training, research and strategic planning to entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders.

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