More than $15 million has been distributed across the Commonwealth to fund 135 environmental programs and community restoration projects, thanks to revenues from Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas.

“This funding supports projects that will enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians in neighborhoods across the state, improving recreational spaces and boosting critical environmental and infrastructural upgrades,” said Dennis Davin, Secretary of the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

While Pennsylvania natural gas has delivered significant benefits for our state and country through air quality improvements, increased economic opportunity, and consumer savings, the impact fee established under Act 13 also funds various community, environmental, and economic development programs in each of the state’s 67 counties – regardless if the county has any natural gas development activity.

This year, the 135 projects supported by Act 13’s Marcellus Legacy Fund monies are centered on addressing flood mitigation ($2.5M), greenways, trails and recreation ($10.8M) upgrades; sewage facilities ($33K); orphaned and abandoned well plugging ($500K); and watershed restoration and protection ($1.7M) initiatives.

Here are a few of the projects receiving funding across the state:

Philadelphia County

  • $250,000 to the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises to fund the Trail Park, which is “a planned community gathering space in the heart of Philadelphia’s Latinx community,” Pa. State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
  • $101,000 for streetscape improvements at Philadelphia’s Gorgas Park
  • $85,000 to the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation for the Cobbs Creek Connector Trail

Allegheny County

  • $300,000 for the Turtle Creek Maintenance Project
  • $268,000 for the Plum Creek Flood Damage Reduction Project in Oakmont Borough
  • $143,394 for Clairton City Park’s Green Infrastructure project
  • $129,392 to the South Side Community Council

Beaver County

Beaver County Times: $750K secured for roads, recreation in Ambridge, Aliquippa

“There will be new sidewalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps, and other upgrades will improve storm water management.”  – Pa. State Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Ambridge).

Berks County

  • $60,000 to Muhlenberg Township for the Laurel Creek Riparian Buffer Project, which will “enhance and protect our valuable natural resources,” Pa. State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks County) said.

Cambria County

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State grants awarded to improve area recreation

“The area is set to receive two state grants totaling more than $700,000 for recreation projects, state officials announced Wednesday.”

Chester County

“Funding approved today represents significant investments in our regional infrastructure, vital support for outdoor recreational opportunities, and demonstrates an overall commitment by the Commonwealth to Chester County and Southeast Pennsylvania.” – Pa. State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery)

Clarion County

  • $500,000 for 9 well plugging and abandonment projects

Indiana County

Indiana Gazette: CFA provides $2.36 million for Indiana County projects

The largest grant totals $1,491,402 from the Pipeline Investment or PIPE program to the Indiana County Board of Commissioners and Indiana County Development Corporation for extension of a natural gas pipeline to the 119 Business Park in Center Township.

“This pipeline project and the resulting growth in the area will help support the Homer-Center School District, Center Township and Indiana County.” – Pa. State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana)

Luzerne County

  • $470,000 to support the Ashley Borough Flood Protection Project

Lycoming County

Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Three projects in Lycoming County to get more than $700,000 from state

“This multi-million-dollar development project will create new opportunities for the Greater Williamsport region to draw upon its world-renowned status as a home for youth baseball and attract thousands of new visitors.” – Pa. State Rep. Jeff Wheeland (R-Loyalsock)

Skuykill County

  • $100,000 for the county’s Inclusive Playground Development Project

Susquehanna County

  • $95,000 for Dimock Township’s Watershed Restoration Protection Program

Westmoreland County

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: State greenlights $48 million in transportation infrastructure projects

The authority approved two Alle-Kiski Valley projects, including a $200,000 Rankin Street revitalization project in Arnold and $375,000 for the Complete Street project in New Kensington. Also approved was a $335,000 joint project between Kittanning and West Kittanning in Armstrong County. Local projects in the three counties snared more than $4.6 million.

The CFA’s Marcellus Legacy Fund awards come in addition to the state’s $22.5 Million made available from the Growing Greener Plus grant program, which earmarks funding for improved water quality and watershed health projects. The Growing Greener grant program receives its support from the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which is also supported by the Impact Fee.