The village of Barnesville signed a lease agreement that will help it pull in a jaw-dropping 5.5 million dollars.

The news is huge for the town of four thousand people and it's all thanks to the natural gas industry and a company out of Colorado called Antero Resources.

It comes as no surprise that this deal was brokered by the Utica Landowners Group.

We've been anticipating more news like this. Gas drilling companies moving into the area and more and more we are seeing the signs.

"It's really a great opportunity for all of us to be able to build our position and work together to drill wells in the future," said Chris Treml, who is the land manager for Antero Resources.

Barnesville's village council approved a lease agreement that will allow Antero Resources to use 1,047 acres -- land they plan to use for drilling.

And the agreement will give the town $5,700 per acre in addition to 20 percent in royalties.

"A town of 4,100 people getting $5.5 to $6 million is a considerable amount," said Mayor Ronald Bischof. "And we will make sure we use the money to the best interest of the village."

The mayor says this about more than just the money or the land. "This is going to bring in jobs obviously," said Bischof. "Some are going to come in but there are going to be people that create jobs where people are going to stay in Barnesville."

Representatives with Antero Resources say this deal would never have gotten done without the help of people in Barnesville and western Belmont County.

Antero Resources still wants to acquire more acreage and will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Union Local school auditorium.

And anyone who is interested in leasing is encouraged to attend.