The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded natural gas impact fee funded grants this week in support of important community projects across the Commonwealth. This latest round of grants funds 120 projects totaling $16.2 million in support of public services and environmental protection, including flood mitigation, abandoned mine treatment, park development and watershed protection.
Since 2012, 715 natural gas impact fee – Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas – funded projects totaling more than $117 million have been awarded in communities across the state. These projects are a reflection of the broad benefits of Pennsylvania’s natural gas tax, which has generated nearly $1.5 billion in new revenue since its creation.
Some notable projects around the state include:
Here’s what they’re saying:
Impact fee funds $2.4 million in projects in Allegheny, Westmoreland counties
“Natural gas continues to pay off for Pennsylvania and local communities. The latest round of grants from the state’s natural gas impact fee will help fund projects in Western Pennsylvania involving flood mitigation, abandoned mine treatment, park development and watershed protection. (9/19/18)
Conway gets $70,000 grant for playground replacement project
The borough has received a $70,000 grant that will help pay for new playground equipment at the former Conway Elementary School. … [Councilwoman Patty] then said she and other borough officials were extremely excited to hear about the grant, which is coming from a state program that is funded statewide Marcellus shale impact fees. (9/19/18)
Luzerne County towns to share more than $1.5M in grants
‘State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Newport Township, said $807,771 in grants were awarded for four projects in the portion of Luzerne County that he represents. “These dollars help us make needed improvements in our parks, trails, water supplies and sanitary systems,” Mullery said.’ (9/18/18)
Clinton, Centre communities to receive sewer, land grants
‘State Sen. Joe Scarnati and state Rep. Mike Hanna said the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved a total of $2,910,348 in state funding for 10 local flood protection, trail, recreation and water projects in the 25th Senatorial District. “These types of projects are critical to the health and well-being of all of us, whether by improving our access to reliable sewage service, or by preserving our ability to explore and enjoy the outdoors,” Hanna said.’ (9/19/18)
$2M grants awarded to 7 municipalities
“Seven Monroe County municipalities will receive nearly $2 million total in state grants for infrastructure improvement projects. Those grant awards, all of which are funded by natural gas drilling fees paid to the state’s Marcellus Legacy Fund, come courtesy of the PA Small Water and Sewer program; Greenways, Trails and Recreation program; and Flood Mitigation program.” (9/18/18)
State grants awarded for Erie-region projects
‘State grants totaling more than $205,000 were awarded to the 2nd and 3rd legislative districts on Tuesday, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, of Millcreek Township, D-3rd Dist., announced. State funding for $80,000, granted by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, was requested by the McKean Recreation Authority to build a paved nature trail at McKean Community Park in McKean Borough.’ (9/18/18)
