Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue collected by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been transmitted to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department today for distribution and payments to local governments, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).
During a press conference in Harrisburg, Senator Scarnati joined Governor Corbett and a bi-partisan group of legislators to announce the release of more than $108 million dollars in Marcellus Shale impact fee revenues for 2012. The PA Treasury Department anticipates the distribution of these funds to counties and municipalities within the next 10 days.
“The development of the Marcellus Shale industry has been a tremendous asset to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Scarnati said. “This annual fee revenue collected is being distributed to municipalities and counties to fund a number of local services, from emergency preparedness to road, bridge and infrastructure projects.”
The total amount released to the PA Treasury Department today for disbursement to local governments is, $108,726,000. According to Scarnati, counties that make up the 25th Senatorial District will receive the following portion of the distribution:
- Cameron County – $97,081.68
- Clearfield County – $1,076,724.19
- Elk County – $370,675.54
- Jefferson County – $158,860.94
- McKean County – $379,501.14
- Potter County – $529,536.48
- Tioga County – $4,757,002.77
- Warren County – $17,651.21
The local government revenue being distributed is 60 percent of the Marcellus Shale impact fee total revenue, which was established as part of legislation signed by Governor Corbett on February 14, 2012, as Act 13 of 2012. Act 13 was passed after months of discussion and negotiations among state government, local government, citizens, representatives of environmental groups and representatives of the industry. The law protects the environment by providing for environmental safeguards, while also imposing a reasonable annual impact fee on the industry.
“The Marcellus Shale industry has provided Pennsylvania with numerous family-sustaining jobs, economic growth and the potential for energy independence,” Scarnati said. “I am pleased that the municipalities and counties where drilling takes place will soon be receiving significant assistance, without placing any increased tax-burden on citizens.”
A full list of impact fee distributions is available on the Act 13 section of the PUC website.
CONTACT:
Drew Crompton (717) 787-7084