Jun. 21, 2018
HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) today announced more than $2 million in impact fee revenues will be awarded to communities in the 48th Legislative District for 2018.
“Marcellus Shale drilling has had a positive impact on our economy,” O’Neal said. “Well-paid family sustaining jobs have been created. As with any industry, the work has effects on the community. This impact fee helps offset those.”
The following impact fee revenue amounts were awarded to:
• $162,893 to Canonsburg Borough.
• $562,088 to Chartiers Township.
• $32,770 to East Washington Borough.
• $21,442 to Houston Borough.
• $154,010 to North Franklin Township.
• $498,369 to North Strabane Township.
• $345,689 to South Strabane Township.
• $249,679 to the city of Washington.
The impact fee is the result of Act 13 of 2012, which collects a fee on each deep shale well drilled. The majority of money is sent to local governments to offset the impacts of drilling. A portion also is allocated for statewide uses. This year, almost $210 million in impact fees will be distributed to counties and municipalities throughout the Commonwealth. This represents an increase of more than $35 million over last year due to an increase in the number of wells and the average price of natural gas.
“It is encouraging to see the impact fee collections increase,” O’Neal said. “This is further evidence the industry is thriving. I remain committed to preventing the governor from instituting a severance tax, thus ensuring these fees remain with our local communities instead of in the hands of Harrisburg insiders. An additional severance tax would have a negative effect on this important engine of our economy.”
The 48th Legislative District in Washington County includes the city of Washington; Chartiers, North Franklin, North Strabane and South Strabane townships; and Canonsburg, East Washington and Houston boroughs.
Representative Tim O’Neal
48th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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