(May 13, 2008)

ALICE--While most cities in the Coastal Bend are seeing a slowdown in business development due to the economy, one city is still seeing some growth. It's the city of Alice and area leaders said it's tied to the profits being made by the oil and gas industry.

The east side of Alice continues to grow as there are seven ongoing projects, including motels and a strip center. The Jim Wells County Farm Bureau plans to build a 37 hundred square foot facility on this side of town.

"Actually , that's where the action is and that's where all the traffic is," said Bob Greer, who is President of the Farm Bureau in Alice. 

A commercial real estate developer is in charge of these east side projects. Newell Atkinson said one factor for the growth here is a Super Wal Mart store, which was built a few years ago. He also said the record-breaking crude oil prices and high cost of gas also helped out.

"Everything is tied to the oil and gas industry," said Atkinson. "When the oil and gas industry is doing well, Alice is doing well."

City leaders agree the oil and gas industry drives the local economy, but they also believe the location of the Hub City and the people of Alice are a factor too.

"We do offer a centralized location," said Juan Rodriguez, who is the Alice Mayor. "Our city is solid, our infrastructure is solid. Our people in this community are going in the right direction."

The Alice City Manager said the growth isn't over as there isn't enough housing for everybody in this town of about 20,000 people.

"We met with developers about trying to get more residential development, assisted living would be great in this city because of the Wal Mart, the hospital and the proximity to all the restaurants," said Albert Uresti, the Alice City Manager.

Leaders don't how long this boom will continue, but they said it will only last as long as the oil and gas industry keeps bringing in the profits.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com