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It's also been good for town finances. Taxes on the energy industry helped fund a $20 million aquatic center complete with racket ball courts, a water slide, whirlpools, a climbing wall, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The town of 1,400 people paid for the center in cash. The state also has a $4 billion trust fund, which it uses to fund roads, hospitals and scholarships for nearly every college-bound student.

Last updated October 17 2008: 11:39 AM ET
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