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Wyoming County to Receive $2.2 Million from Natural Gas Impact Fees

Infrastructure development fueled by natural gas impact fees in Wyoming County.

News Summary

Wyoming County is set to receive over $2.2 million in natural gas impact fees for 2024, announced by state officials. This funding will support local municipalities in managing the effects of natural gas production. The revenues, sourced from Pennsylvania’s natural gas producers, are crucial for community projects and infrastructure maintenance. With total statewide impact fees reaching nearly $165 million, the funds facilitate essential services and economic development in regions affected by natural gas drilling.

Wyoming – Wyoming County will receive over $2.2 million in natural gas impact fees for the year 2024, as announced by state Rep. Tina Pickett and state Sen. Lisa Baker. This funding is vital for supporting local municipalities as they manage the impacts of natural gas production. The funds are derived from fees collected from natural gas producers operating within Pennsylvania, and the revenue will be shared among the county’s municipalities, which received a total of more than $1.4 million collectively.

This year, the total amount generated through statewide impact fees reached nearly $165 million for Pennsylvania. Wyoming County specifically received $837,113 to help address local needs and projects. The distribution of these funds is guided by a structure established under Act 13, which was enacted in 2012. Since its implementation, the impact fees have returned over $2.9 billion to communities across the state, enabling significant investments in local infrastructure and services.

The impact fee revenue distribution is structured such that 60% is allocated to municipalities where natural gas drilling occurs. The remaining 40% goes into the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which supports various statewide initiatives. In Wyoming County, several municipalities have each received notable financial support exceeding $100,000 to address local demands:

Washington Township: $232,669
Meshoppen Township: $211,349
Windham Township: $177,919
Lemon Township: $141,164

Rep. Pickett has highlighted the significance of this additional revenue, stating that it assists local governments in managing the effects of natural gas drilling while also fostering local improvement projects. Sen. Baker has pointed out the necessity of ensuring that growth in the natural gas industry is balanced with adequate funding for community and environmental conservation efforts.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is responsible for overseeing the collection and allocation of impact fees. These funds directly support key areas such as infrastructure maintenance, emergency services, economic development, and environmental protection throughout the state. The impact fee has become an essential financial resource for areas affected by natural gas development, particularly those facing challenges associated with such activities.

This year alone saw nearly 314 new natural gas wells begin producing, maintaining the sector’s robust activity level. The average price for natural gas has remained stable, averaging $2.74 per million British Thermal Units, a figure that has changed little compared to the previous year. The distribution for 2024 includes provisions such as $86.5 million designated for counties and municipalities, $57.7 million directed to the Marcellus Legacy Fund, and $20.4 million allocated to state agencies addressing broader impacts of natural gas production.

The natural gas development industry also plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, contributing over $6 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenues. It provides employment for more than 120,000 individuals, with average wages around $100,000, significantly exceeding the state’s median wage. Additionally, households utilizing natural gas have benefitted substantially, enjoying savings close to $10 billion over the past year compared to prices in 2008.

In summary, the impact fees generated from natural gas production are designated to bolster Wyoming County and its municipalities, helping them navigate the demands of natural gas drilling and assuring funds for community development and essential services.