Cuero Gets First Major Housing Development in 20 Years - Cotulla Too

The city of Cuero is getting its first major housing development in more than 20 years. The founder of Four Points Development, LLC, out of Austin, lives in Cuero and will be leading development of the new subdivision. He's already sold a few of the 77 lots that will be available. My hunch is this won't be the last major sub-division announced in the Eagle Ford region. You can read more about the development at bizjournals.com The Cuero development isn't alone either.  In Cotulla, Eagle Ford Homes, Inc. is developing a sub-division named after the play itself - Eagle Ford Crossing. The development will include 45 new site-built homes and is scheduled for completion in Summer 2012.

Over the past two years, the Eagle Ford Shale development has increased the need for Apartments, Hotels, Man-Camps, RV Parks, and now its time for home builders and multi-family developments to come in. The Eagle Ford will be developed for many years to come and many of the workers moving to the area are here to stay. That means they'll need more than temporary housing.

For a full list of lodging solutions in South Texas, visit our Eagle Ford Shale Housing page.

Cuero and Yorktown Have Awakened to an Oil Economy

Cuero has grown from the Turkey Capital into a booming oil town. The town of Cuero welcomed the oil & gas industry and has seen several major oil companies open regional offices in the city. Tax revenues have grown more than 30% year over year and for the first time in many years "bonds" aren't the answer to building needs.

Four years ago, Cuero was a community where everybody knew everybody, most people made their money in ranching or farming, and most of the children left as soon as they could.

Then everything changed. Although turkey production had left years ago, the town was still the county seat of one of the top cattle producers in the state and prospered compared with most small Texas towns. 

Even as industries died, residents tried to make the best of things. Every October wild turkeys race each other down Esplanade Street as a part of the annual Turkeyfest, and the day after the festival ends, Cueroites are hard at work putting together elaborate Christmas light displays for the town's famed "Christmas in the Park."

But, as Eagle Ford Shale became a reality, and slick black crude began gurgling up from below, the town had a new role to play - suddenly, Cuero had power.

Yorktown, while a town of only 2,000, has seen a similar rise in business activity. The city owned RV park has been full for two years and more parks are popping up across the area to provide housing for oil workers. New restaurants are opening and local businesses are growing. The small town is developing an oil & gas industry feel.

"It's a good thing for Yorktown," city administrator Robert Mendez said during a recent meeting of the Friends of the Yorktown Library. "Along with the city council and mayor, we are looking at ways to get our city to prosper. It's a positive outlook."

Read the full article on Cuero Here and the article on Yorktown Here.

Infrastructure Issues Addressed by the Eagle Ford Task Force

The Eagle Ford Task Force met in Cuero Sept. 28 to discuss the impact oil and natural gas production in the Eagle Ford Shale is having on local community infrastructure. The task force announced today its adoption of several advisements related to truck traffic and pipeline development.

Rapidly Increasing Truck Traffic

The rapid increase in truck traffic on local roads in the Eagle Ford Shale region has led to the deterioration of roads and an enhanced concern for public safety. The 24-member task force, created by Railroad Commissioner David Porter, listened to presentations and concerns from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Association of Energy Service Companies, the Texas Motor Transportation Association and the general public in an effort to determine solutions.

“We are seeing an overwhelming increase in traffic in these small communities and citizens are concerned,” said Commissioner Porter. “So we brought together the trucking industry, oil and gas industry, state and local government and the general public to engage in a productive dialogue, and as a result, we were able to come up with real, tangible solutions.”

Billions in Pipeline Investment

Also on the task force agenda was pipeline infrastructure. Currently several billion dollars worth of pipeline projects are under development in the region, and local communities have expressed concern with how the development of these massive projects will affect them. Representatives from pipeline companies and legal experts addressed the task force, detailing impending projects and outlining their commitment to partnering with local governments and communities.

“The construction of a 20-inch crude oil line running 50 miles through a county can take the place of 1,250 tank truck trips per day, so it is imperative that we get these pipes in the ground; however, we must ensure local communities are protected” said Porter. “Our task force members, including representatives of pipeline companies, have agreed upon guidelines that will hold the pipeline industry accountable.”

Housing Options Limited

Finally, the task force addressed the housing issue currently facing the region. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs spoke about the many programs they offer to combat rent increases and displaced families. Private developer, Bob Zacaraiah, also spoke about what local governments and communities can do to spur more private investment in the region. Several task force members expressed their desire to see builders develop more permanent housing, to foster community building, rather than temporary housing fixes.

As a result, the task force adopted the following advisements:

Pipeline Advisements

• The placement of pipelines should avoid steep hillsides and watercourses where feasible.
• Pipeline routes should take advantage of road corridors to minimize surface disturbance.
• When clearing is necessary, the width disturbed should be kept to a minimum and topsoil material should be stockpiled to the side because retaining topsoil for replacement during reclamation can significantly accelerate successful revegetation.
• Proximity to buildings or other facilities occupied or used by the public should be considered. Particular consideration should be given to homes.
• Unnecessary damage to trees and other vegetation should be avoided.
• After installation of a new line, all rights-of-way should be restored to conditions compatible with existing land use.

Road and Truck Advisements

• The task force supports trucking companies partnering with the Texas Department of Public Safety to develop a program that would alert companies when their drivers receive moving violations or drivers license suspensions.
• The task force supports the creation of road use agreements or trucking plans between operators and local authorities. These agreements could include parameters such as:

• Operators must avoid peak traffic hours, school bus hours and community events.
• Operators must establish overnight quiet periods.
• Operators must ensure adequate off-road parking and delivery areas at all sites to avoid lane/road blockage.

David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials. Visit www.rrc.state.tx.us for additional RRC information.

Eagle Ford Shale Jobs Growth Across the Region

Jobs are being created across the play and even adjacent counties are benefiting from the boom.

Victoria already has seen 124 new Pioneer Natural Resources jobs spring up in areas such as pumping services, maintenance and support, and that number should grow to 205 positions by the year's end.

Pawnee, Cuero and Yoakum have seen 117 new jobs with Pioneer open since drilling began, he said.

Hall quoted a study by the University of Texas at San Antonio that showed Eagle Ford Shale production tripled between 2009 and 2010. He went on to say that, by 2020, the drilling will have created 68,000 full-time jobs, ringing in at about $3.2 billion in salaries.

"This is definitely a needle-mover in South Texas," he said.

Read the full article at victoriaadvocate.com