Broxson supports drilling in Blackwater Forest

State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, on Jan. 22 introduced House Bill 431 that would seek the development of oil and gas resources specifically in the Blackwater River State Forest.

The bill, if it becomes law, would authorize the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to enter into a private-public partnership with a business entity to develop oil and gas resources in the Blackwater River State Forest.

“There’s already drilling that’s occurred there for the last 30 years without a footprint,” said Broxson. “I discussed it with several groups in Jay and they thought it was a fabulous idea.”

The Jay and Blackjack Creek oil fields have operated in Jay since the early 1970s when oil and gas were discovered in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

For the complete story, see the Feb. 14 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.