Recently, the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved millions in funding to support conservation efforts across Pennsylvania. The funding, sourced from the Marcellus Legacy Fund, is part of $28.5 million made available by safe, well-regulated shale development. To be clear, these important funding announcements are part of the more than $406 million in shale impact fees generated by the industry, which is in addition to the $1.8 billion in state taxes generated from shale activity. Taken together, these critical resources made possible by the safe development of clean-burning shale, are undeniably “benefiting every Pennsylvanian.”

Here is a list of projects aimed at enhancing and protection our environment, by the numbers:

$16,000,000

 Marcellus Legacy Fund Provides More than $16 Million for Greenways, Trails and Recreation: The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved more than $16 million in funding to support 116 greenways, trails and recreation projects throughout Pennsylvania. The funds were a part of the $28.5 million made available over the past two years to fund six Marcellus Legacy Fund programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). … To date, the fee has generated more than $400 million and is benefiting every Pennsylvanian. (Release, 11/22/13)

$5,600,000

 Marcellus Legacy Fund Provides More Than $5.6 Million for Watershed Restoration and Protection Projects: The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved nearly $5.6 million in funding to support 32 watershed restoration and protection projects throughout Pennsylvania. …  “We established the Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund to ensure a portion of the funds collected goes back to local communities to support environmental enhancement and conservation programs,” Gov. Corbett said. (Release, 11/22/13)

 $5,200,000

 Marcellus Legacy Fund Provides More than $5.2 Million for Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment: The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $5.2 million in funding to support 12 abandoned mine drainage abatement and treatment projects throughout Pennsylvania. … “The first round of funding will provide more than $5.2 million to remediate abandoned mine sites and clean our streams.” …  In addition…the CFA also approved five additional programs under the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which include Watershed Restoration and Protection, Water Quality Data, Greenways, Trails and Recreation, Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging and Flood Mitigation programs. (Release, 11/22/13)

$700,000

 Marcellus Legacy Fund Provides More Than $700,000 for Flood Mitigation Projects: The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved more than $700,000 in funding to support four flood mitigation projects throughout Pennsylvania. … Act 13 authorized counties to impose an impact fee on unconventional natural gas wells. To date, the fee has generated more than $400 million and is benefiting every Pennsylvanian. (Release, 11/22/13)