Brazoria County is expected to see economic expansion over the next several years. The Perryman Group’s* baseline forecast indicates growth in real gross product at 3.76% per year, while employment increases at a 1.88% annual rate. The county’s population is forecast to expand at a 1.56% rate, resulting in a gain of more than 29,500 persons over the period.

(*) The Perryman Group is an economic research and analysis firm based in Waco, Texas.  The firm has served more than 2,500 clients, including two-thirds of the Global 25, over half of the Fortune 100, ten US Cabinet Departments, and the six largest energy companies operating in the US.  The input-output assessment system was developed by the firm more than 35 years ago and has been consistently maintained and updated.  The model has been used in hundreds of analyses for clients ranging from major corporations to government agencies and has been peer reviewed on multiple occasions.

Construction Impacts

As noted, the construction of Texas GulfLink includes the onshore and offshore terminals, related pipelines, and other infrastructure. The Perryman Group estimates that the construction of Texas GulfLink will generate gains in US business activity including nearly $1.1 billion in gross product and 11,825 job-years of employment when multiplier effects are considered.  

For Texas, gross product is likely to rise by almost $844.4 million, with 9,302 job-years of employment. The gains in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA are estimated to be $751.8 million in gross product and 8,268 job-years of employment. The benefits to Brazoria County will likely include $494.1 million in gross product and 5,754 job-years of employment.  

The Freeport area is likely to see an increase in gross product of $320.9 million and 3,788 job-years of employment. (The results for each geographic area are included in the subsequently larger areas analyzed.) Additional details are described in the table below.

Operating Impacts 

Once operational, Texas GulfLink will continue to generate a significant economic stimulus by providing jobs and purchasing goods and services.  Direct employment and operations spending lead to ripple effects through the economy, and as wages and salaries are spent, further economic benefits are generated.

The ongoing benefits of Texas GulfLink once operational include an estimated $63.2 million to $106.2 million in gross product each year and 629 to 1,057 jobs (including multiplier effects). The increase in annual gross product for Texas range from $57.5 million to $96.7 million and 580 to 975 jobs. For the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA, the gains in the gross product range from $51.6 million to $86.7 million per year, as well as 515 to 866 jobs. Brazoria County is estimated to see an increase in gross product of $39.8 million to $66.9 million, with job gains ranging from 421 to 708. Economic benefits in the Freeport area are expected to range from $34.4 million to $57.8 million in yearly gross product and 363 to 610 jobs. Additional details are included in the table below.