State mandated Marcellus shale drilling fees–funds often cited as controversial by opponents of fracking gas development–are being distributed by the state.
Soon, a total of $877,170 in Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue will be distributed to PA counties and municipalities, including Beaver County, West Mayfield Borough, and surrounding communities.
According to the Public Utility Commission, Beaver County’s 2012 portion will be $294,311.92, considerably more than the $197,639.04 it received in 2011.
West Mayfield Borough will receive $1,080.31.
By comparison, distribution for surrounding municipalities include Beaver Falls ($5,489.41), Big Beaver ($9,317.06), Chippewa Twp, ($12,203.12) and White Twp. ($1,031.17).
The PUC expects to start mailing checks as early as June 28.
According to Section 2314(g) of Act 13 of 2012, the legislation requiring the impact fees, counties and municipalities receiving money from the Unconventional Gas Well Fund are required to spend the money in one of 13 categories:
- Construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair of roadways, bridges and public infrastructure.
- Water, storm water and sewer systems, including construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair.
- Emergency preparedness and public safety, including law enforcement and fire services, hazardous material response, 911, equipment acquisition and other services.
- Environmental programs, including trails, parks and recreation, open space, flood plain management, conservation districts and agricultural preservation.
- Preservation and reclamation of surface and subsurface waters and water supplies.
- Tax reductions, including homestead exclusions.
- Projects to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing to residents.
- Records management, geographic information systems and information technology.
- The delivery of social services.
- Judicial services.
- Deposit into the municipality’s capital reserve fund if the funds are used solely for a purpose set forth in Act 13 of 2012.
- Career and technical centers for training of workers in the oil and gas industry.
- Local or regional planning initiatives under the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 805, No. 247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.