Rep. Marla Brown has announced that municipalities in the 9th Legislative District will receive over $200,000 from impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies. Lawrence County itself is set to receive more than $198,000 from these fees.
“This funding is an investment in our communities,” said Brown. “It supports road repairs, public safety and essential services, all without burdening local taxpayers. The natural gas industry continues to play a valuable role in strengthening our local economy.”
The state Public Utility Commission (PUC) released the specific amounts allocated to various areas within Lawrence County:
– Bessemer Borough: $1,052
– Hickory Township: $3,164
– Mahoning Township: $36,512
– New Castle City: $20,539
– New Wilmington Borough: $1,787
– Neshannock Township: $18,465
– North Beaver Township: $27,195
– Pulaski Township: $71,854
– Shenango Township: $8,510
– S.N.P.J. Borough: $84
– South New Castle: $755
– Taylor Township: $1,494
– Union Township: $5,547
– Wilmington Township: $3,873
Impact fees are collected from drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling activities. The remainder of the funds goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund which provides additional support for counties and covers state-level initiatives such as emergency response planning and environmental projects.
Checks are expected to be distributed to municipalities in early July.
