8 months ago
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One community has so far resisted natural gas drilling, but that could soon change.
The governing board of the planned community of Fairfield Bay banned natural gas drilling in 2006 because they were afraid it might spoil the environment a lot of people were looking for when they purchased property there.
But since Wyndam Resorts owns the majority of mineral rights to 4,600 acres beneath Fairfield Bay, drilling might be inevitable.
Residents there will vote on whether to repeal the ban this summer.
Through an agreement between the city and Wyndam, Fairfield Bay will receive an infusion of cash that could revitalize the community.
The money would come from signing bonuses and royalties, and could allow Fairfield Bay to develop a resort hotel in the area, drawing in more visitors.
Tentative plans for the hotel call for something similar to the lodge at mount magazine.
Other money would be used to improve existing buildings in town.
The city has already passed an ordinance outlining how the drilling should be done.
All of this is to allow the community to reap the benefits of a lucrative natural resource and protect property values.
