More than $2.6 million in Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue will be distributed to counties and municipalities in the 21st Senatorial District, according to Senator Scott E. Hutchinson.
Counties and municipalities in the 21st District will receive the following distribution:
- Butler County and its municipalities in the 21st District — $1,624,002 ($2.9 million total)
- Clarion County and municipalities — $308,157
- Erie County (no municipal payouts) — $235,295
- Forest County and municipalities — $281,341
- Venango County and municipalities — $119,031
- Warren County and municipalities in the 21st District — $70,438 ($71,322 total)
A breakdown of municipal payments is attached to this release.
Under the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012 , the Public Utility Commission collects and distribution of impact fees. The PUC is required to distribute the collected impact fee revenue for 2012 to counties and municipalities by July 1, 2013. More information regarding the Act 13 revenue collections can be found on the new PUC interactive website .
Background on Act 13 Revenue Distribution
The impact fee legislation requires that approximately $25.5 million of the annual revenue go to state agencies to offset the statewide impact of drilling. These agencies include the State Conservation Commission, County Conservation Districts, PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Emergency Management Agency, Office of State Fire Commissioners, PA Department of Transportation, Natural Gas Energy Development, Housing Affordability & Rehab Enforcement Fund, PUC and DEP.
The residual revenue will be distributed with 60 percent of the remaining funds being sent to counties and municipalities where drilling takes place. Counties and municipalities may utilize the funds in several ways, including for roadways, public safety, environmental programs, agriculture preservation and career and technical job training.
The remaining 40 percent is placed into the Marcellus Legacy Fund which serves as funding for statewide initiatives with local impacts. The Marcellus Legacy Fund includes the Commonwealth Financing Authority, Environmental Stewardship Fund, Highway Bridge Improvement Fund, PennVEST and H2O Program and the Department of Community & Economic Development.
Contact: Justin Leventry (717) 787-9684
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