Chippewa County hoping for frac sand economic impact study - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Chippewa County (WQOW) - A local county is hoping a study will help figure out the impact of a growing industry.

Chippewa County is asking the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to do a study on the economic impact of frac sand.  Last night, the county's economic and industrial development committee approved a resolution to request the study. The committee chair says with the addition of a transloading facility for the railroad, the frac sand industry is expected to continue rapidly expanding in Chippewa County. They're hoping to find out what the future impact of this industry will be on the county, and western Wisconsin.

"Let's really get a handle on this industry on the economic development side, just looking at the economics. Job creation, the potential for growth, what type of industry is this as far as size, is this going to be ten percent of the economy, is it going to go to five percent more a year, what is that number, how much in taxes does it generate?" Charlie Walker

Chippewa County is hoping to get other counties to send similar resolutions to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The WEDC would cover the costs of the study.