Frac Sand Industry Is Creating Jobs
Wisconsin and Minnesota are currently experiencing a boom for frac sand, which according to some, is resulting in a brighter economic outlook for some communities.
Online, November 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - In times of economic trouble, the creation of jobs can come few and far between. One industry, however, may be giving hope to many Wisconsin and Minnesota counties; frac sand, a type of quartz sand, valuable for its roundness and strength, is making headlines across both states, deemed as the next Gold Rush by many.
Frac Sand is a type of proppant used in the hydraulic drilling process, which mines natural gas deep underground. Wisconsin and Minnesota's frac sand is particularly sought-after, for it's high quality characteristics. One Wisconsin county is finding out just how valuable this industry would be in contributing to their local economy.
In their article, "Frac Sand Would Add Jobs," the Marshfield News Herald discusses Wood county, home to Marshfield, Wisconsin. Marshfield is currently working with frac sand companies looking to set up shop in their area. At a recent City Council meeting, the Marshfield City Council unveiled a study done by Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. of Moscow, Idaho, illustrating the economic impacts of the incoming frac sand industry. According to the study, "once fully operational, frac sand production will account for almost 930 permanent jobs - direct and indirect - and more than $58.7 million in income (Marshfield News Herald)." Jason Angell, Marshfield director of planning and economic development referred to the incoming frac sand operations as a "diamond" for the city (Marshfield News Herald).
As a locally owned Wisconsin company sitting on the edge of the frac sand rush, FEECO International is happy to see jobs pouring in to the local economies. "We all want the best for Wisconsin, and this creation of jobs brings hope to a lot of communities," stated Erik Olson, head of IT and Marketing at FEECO.
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