(AUSTIN) — Roadways impacted by increased traffic related to development in the Eagle Ford Shale will soon benefit from more than $23 million in new state funding, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced today (Friday).

"The Eagle Ford Shale is a boon to South Texas' economy, but increased truck traffic has strained our rural roadways," Senator Zaffirini said. "This funding from the Texas Transportation Commission will support critical maintenance and safety improvements in six Eagle Ford counties in Senate District (SD) 21, namely, Atascosa, Bee, Dimmit, La Salle, Live Oak and Karnes."

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 1,200 loaded trucks are needed to bring just one gas well into production--the traffic equivalent to approximately 8 million cars. There are approximately 277 oil and gas drilling rigs operating in the Eagle Ford Shale, and approximately 70 percent are in SD 21. Karnes and La Salle counties are the two top-producing counties in the shale.

The $23.3 million will fund the addition of safer passing lanes, intersection improvements and roadway maintenance and reconstruction.

"This funding is most welcomed, but it is not enough to address all of the significant safety and maintenance concerns in the district," Senator Zaffirini said. "As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will continue to champion increased funding for our highways impacted by the energy sector."

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