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Oil Boom Brings New Construction to Iraan 7/12/12
Oil Boom Brings New Construction to Iraan 7/12/12
CBS 7 News
July 12, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com
Iraan, TX - The oil boom is literally changing the face of a west Texas town. The next time you're in Iraan, not only will you see new faces, there are quite a few new buildings as well. It’s all thanks to the oil boom.
Everywhere you look, you can see the benefits of the oil boom. It's something that hasn't happened in Iraan in years.
"The construction. There's new construction all over, which hasn't happened in many, many years. We're really excited," Iraan Mayor Dana St. Clair said.
The Tejas Bank celebrated the grand opening of their new building complete with a drive thru and ATM, features the small town has never seen.
"With the three lane drive thru and ATM, we'll be able to better serve the community. Keep up with the times," Zane Rhyne, Tejas Bank Senior V.P said.
Not only is banking new and improved, students will have "like new" schools when they return to school in the fall. The $20 million project is going towards reconstructing every school.
"They're not new, but you'll think we have new by the time we're done. They'll be safe, modern and serve the community for years to come," Iraan/Sheffield Superintendent, Kevin Allen said.
Another project in the works is over at the Iraan General Hospital. It will be getting a new wellness center.
"There was nothing here for the people to be able to do preventative health," Teresa Callahan, IGH CEO said.
Iraan hasn't been immune to the housing crisis, like most west Texas towns, there’s not much space for people to stay, but not for long.
A new 32 room hotel is near completion to bring some relief to the housing shortage.
"We're booming and we're excited about the new people coming to town. People are gambling on Iraan and they're going to win," Mayor St. Clair said.
All of the projects should be finished within the next year.