One might think that the advantages of Pennsylvania’s natural gas abundance are concentrated in the regions where development occurs, but our unique tax structure – known as the Impact Fee – is a winning framework allowing residents in communities all across the Commonwealth to benefit from the natural gas that lies below.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) announced last week, and state officials all across Pennsylvania are touting, $27 million in Marcellus Legacy Funds awarded for county, municipal and community organization coffers, boosting funds for nearly 200 unique projects ranging from conservation efforts to infrastructure improvements and recreation projects. Funding for these projects comes from the overall $279 million generated by the impact tax in 2023 – making it a win for all Pennsylvania residents, even if there’s no natural gas activity in their region.
“Even though York County does not have any active natural gas drilling, it still benefits from Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. The fees levied make it a better place for all of us by improving area parks and streams,” State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill said during the initial funding announcement.
Of the most recent announcements, for example, $321,000 was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to benefit two Erie County communities by creating a community park in Mill Village Borough, the community’s first and only recreational park. Moreover, the Erie County Conservation District will be transforming a vacant lot into an accessible park for Millcreek Township.
“Not only does this fuel source deliver us the energy we need, but it also generates vital funding for projects throughout the state, and I’m glad communities in Erie County are benefitting from that funding,” State Senator Dan Laughlin praised.
Snyder County is also reaping the benefits of Pennsylvania natural gas, being awarded $90,000 for improvements at Faylor Lake that include an equine trail, boardwalk, and observation deck.
These funds are also providing educational benefits including to students in the Indiana County Technical College Carpentry Program, who will help build portions of the new Canopy Walk Development Project in Indiana County. The project utilizes $90,000 from Act 13 funds and will be a part of the student’s curriculum, providing them with real-world experience before graduation.
“Pennsylvania’s unique approach to a severance tax allows all four corners of our Commonwealth to benefit from the natural gas produced here,” Marcellus Shale Coalition President David Callahan said in a release. “It’s a structure no other energy-producing state uses and has created a valuable revenue stream municipalities, state agencies and environmental programs rely on.”
Here’s a look at some projects around the Commonwealth and what people are saying:
SENATOR ELDER VOGEL: Vogel Announces More Than $730,000 for Community Improvement Projects in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties
Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) today announced more than $730,000 in state grants have been awarded for seven community improvement projects in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.
“Creating or improving recreational opportunities helps further enrich our communities and provides places where our residents and travelers can enjoy outdoor activities,” said Vogel. “I’m glad to see these projects will benefit from this funding and know they will add to the revitalization of our area.”
ELLWOOD CITY LEDGER: Camp Allegheny Received State Grant For Improvement Project
The Salvation Army Camp Allegheny was among those receiving state grants announced by Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) today.
More than $730,000 in state grants have been awarded for seven community improvement projects in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS RABB: Rabb: $42,500 in state grants awarded to local park
“I am thrilled to see the state make investments in our community with our tax dollars in a tangible way. Playgrounds are a great place for children to learn, interact with each other and develop social skills, and are a great place for families to bond and communities to grow. I look forward to seeing the completed project.”
REPRESENTATIVE ROB MATZIE: Matzie: Nearly $200,000 awarded for District 16 park improvements
Rep. Rob Matzie recognized the contribution of Marcellus Shale impact fees and highlighted a project in his area:
“The grant to Ambridge will allow the borough to build on improvements to P.J. Caul Park that are making the park more accessible and more inviting for residents,” Matzie said. “The funding to Monaca will support needed renovations to the Antoline Park softball field. Folks love to come out and watch the games and cheer on the players, and the work will help ensure the best experience for everyone.”
TIMES LEADER: Culver, Ryncavage announce $50,000 grant for Wright Twp. Recreation Park
Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver and Rep. Alec Ryncavage on Wednesday announced $50,000 in state grant money has been awarded to pay for improvements to Wright Township Recreation Park.
“Wright Township Recreation Park and the people it serves will benefit through this investment made possible with Marcellus Shale natural gas impact fee revenue,” said Culver, R-Northumberland County. “The park serves as a regional asset and brings generations of residents together to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. This state grant will ensure the park remains a valuable part of our community, now and in the future.”
SENATOR JAY COSTA: Senator Jay Costa Announces Over $500k in Act 13 Grants Benefitting the 43rd Senatorial District
“It’s a great honor to be delivering crucial state funding to the green spaces that allow the people of Pittsburgh to appreciate our natural environment,” said Senator Costa. “Our parks and playgrounds support our children, families, and communities, and I am delighted to be supporting them in their efforts to bring people and nature together. I look forward to seeing these dollars get put to work in our neighborhood parks and trails.”
WCCS RADIO: GRANT MONEY AWARDED TO INDIANA
Over $200,000 will come to Indiana County in grants paid for by unconventional natural gas wells.
In a news release from State Senator Joe Pittman and State Representative Jim Struzzi, a $60,550 grant was awarded to the Indiana County Conservation District for the Canopy Walk Development Project. In a statement, Douglas Beri, Jr., said the money will be used to match a $90,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Students enrolled in the ICTC Carpentry Program will help build portions of the trail as part of their education and will mark the first canopy walk in Western Pennsylvania.
REPRESENTATIVE JOANNA MCCLINTON: McClinton, Young and Williams applaud $250,000 for Bartram Garden Trail
“The Bartram Garden Trail links our communities along the Schuykill River, so residents from different neighborhoods can enjoy and explore the outdoors together,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “This significant funding will improve the trail so that it continues to be treasure that the entire region can enjoy for years to come.”
WKOK: Funds Handed Out from State Marcellus Shale Impact Fee
State lawmakers used the snow day Tuesday to hand out hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state Marcellus Shale Impact Fee. $100,000 will go to Bloomsburg Town Park rehabilitation and park improvements. $94,000 will go to the Sunbury Municipal Authority for improvements to one of the city’s flood closure structures, part of the flood wall and levee system.
WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE: $552,000 in state grant funding will go toward new gas lines at The District at Lycoming Valley, formerly the Lycoming Mall
The District at Lycoming Valley will get the state’s help in installing natural gas lines.
State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, notified the Sun-Gazette of $552,084 in state funding that has been awarded to the mixed-use residential and commercial project through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE).
PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS REPORT: Pennsylvania legislators announce natural gas expansion investment
On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84) announced the state had awarded Muncy Township in Lycoming County more than $552,000 for a natural gas line expansion.
Funded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), the funds will be used to install natural gas lines to a redevelopment project of the Lycoming County Mall development area in the Lycoming Valley.
TALK ERIE: Natural Gas Impact Fee Delivers More Than $321,000 to Erie County Communities
The impact fee on unconventional natural gas wells will deliver more than $321,000 through Pennsylvania’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to benefit two Erie County communities, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
“I have always maintained the importance of a diverse energy portfolio in Pennsylvania, and natural gas has been a major component of positive energy policy for our commonwealth,” said Laughlin.
SENATOR KATIE MUTH: Sen. Muth Announces Over $860k in State Grants for Local Parks, Infrastructure Projects
“Any investment of state funding back into our region, our infrastructure, and our public resources and recreation is win for our communities and for our residents,” Muth said. “This funding will help update several parks and trails in Senate District 44 and also help improve stormwater infrastructure and sewage facilities plans. I appreciate the work of all of our local and municipal officials for their work to attract state investment back to our communities.”
FRED LEVERING, WYOMISSING BOROUGH MAYOR, BERKS COUNTY
“Wyomissing is grateful for these grants. The flood mitigation grant will help fund a critical infrastructure project and the playground grant will help provide recreational opportunities for our residents. While Berks County is not home to natural gas production, it is refreshing to see our community benefit from the development of this abundant, Pennsylvania based natural resource.” (Wyomissing received two Marcellus Legacy Fund grants totaling $375,000)
