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Western Maryland Could Experience Economic Windfall As A Result Of Fracking

April 23rd, 2013 by WCBC Radio

The connection between the environment and the economy is now a major focus of Allegany County’s long range economic development strategy according to director Matt Diaz. Oil, timbering and now the potential for Marcellus Shale opportunities abundant in the region, Diaz said tying the regions natural resources to economic development makes sense. While Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis are still in flux when it comes to the future of hydraulic fracturing and Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania has experienced an economic windfall as a result- and western Maryland could derive similar fortunes. According to the latest data, the 2010 numbers for Pennsylvania show an economic impact of more than $20 billion for the state- and 140,000 jobs created. With 128,000 available acres in Garrett County and 51,000 in Allegany- similar impacts could be felt locally if the state ever signs off on allowing drilling. Diaz said that is just one of the reasons for the new focus on natural resources…





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