Pennsylvania communities are seeing real, tangible returns from natural gas development, following the Shapiro Administration’s announcement of another round of local investments funded entirely by Pennsylvania’s Natural Gas Impact Fee and approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

As part of the nearly $3 billion collected from Pennsylvania’s unique production tax, the CFA has funded over 1,700 projects across the state totaling nearly $235 million.

In the latest round of the impact fee disbursements in December, the CFA approved 135 projects totaling more than $14 million in grants that will support local infrastructure, environmental improvements, and economic development initiatives across the Commonwealth. These awards build on a proven framework that provides a funding stream tied to Pennsylvania’s natural gas impact fee – one that continues to see bipartisan support for the real results it drives at the local level.

“These initiatives are delivering real results that improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians and continue our economic momentum,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger. “By investing in projects that protect our environment and strengthen our infrastructure, we’re building safer, healthier, and stronger communities across Pennsylvania.”

Funding Communities Statewide

Importantly, these CFA awards come on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars counties and municipal governments receive directly each year through the impact fee program. Together, these funds support projects that communities rely on every day, including:

  • Flood mitigation and watershed restoration
  • Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades
  • Parks, trails, and recreational facilities
  • Environmental stewardship and public safety improvements

This approach ensures that the benefits of natural gas development extend far beyond drilling sites. All regions of Pennsylvania share in the investment – even in areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh where no natural gas production occurs.

A Pennsylvania Policy, for Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania’s impact fee is a homegrown policy – designed by Pennsylvanians, for Pennsylvanians – that converts energy production into lasting community benefits. Lawmakers from both parties continue to point to Act 13 funding as a critical tool for maintaining local infrastructure, protecting the environment, and improving quality of life.

From rural townships to urban neighborhoods, communities are seeing projects move forward because of a funding framework that works.

Here’s what Pennsylvania lawmakers are saying:

  • Pennsylvania House Speaker McClinton (D): “I’m proud to have helped leaders in Darby and Yeadon secure state funding for projects that will improve the Darby Rec Center, Yeadon Community Park, and support the Darby Police Department…Connecting local projects with state resources is a key part of my job and delivering funding that enhances the quality of life for my neighbors benefits everyone.”
  • House Majority Leader Bradford (D): “Our local municipalities and organizations are working to ensure that we can enjoy these resources for years to come. I’m pleased that these local projects are receiving financial support from the state.”
  • Representative Guzman (D): “From advancing passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia to revitalizing downtown through arts and culture and strengthening public safety across Berks County, these projects will create opportunities, improve quality of life, and move our region forward. I’m incredibly proud to help deliver this critical funding and will keep working to ensure our district receives the resources it needs.”
  • Representative Kazeem (D): “I am honored to bring back funds this year that will protect the health and safety of the district’s residents by replacing failing city vehicles with 23 new ones, purchasing an ambulance to help improve response times, rehabilitating a decaying fire house, and improving a locality’s sewer system. This nearly $1.9 million I’ve brought home will build up our infrastructure, making the 159th District safer for everyone.”
  • Representative Kenyatta (D): “As not only a state lawmaker but a life-long North Philadelphia resident, I know firsthand how we can help uplift our community. Supporting organizations that keep our youth engaged in positive activities, promote the power of community gathering and bolster workforce development by providing hands-on training for secure, well-paying jobs, plays a huge role in empowering North Philadelphia. I am thrilled that over $1 million was awarded to these projects and happy to support them in any way I can.”
  • Representative Kinkead (D): “I’m thrilled to deliver for the needs of people in our communities. Working with my colleagues, we secured these grants to help provide lifesaving health care, support our first responders, and ensure our public systems work better for everyone.”
  • Representative Matzie (D): “These new grants will help our towns and cities upgrade aging infrastructure and replace outdated equipment, ensuring services run more efficiently while conserving taxpayer dollars. I’m grateful to the CFA and our regional partners for helping secure these funds.”
  • Representative Powell (D): “These projects will drive meaningful improvements across our community,” said Powell. “This funding supports our first responders, strengthens critical infrastructure, and creates good jobs for the workers making those upgrades possible. I’m proud to support these investments and will continue fighting to make sure our community gets the resources it deserves.”
  • Representative Steele (D): “I’m pleased to report that more than $2.7 million in state grants was awarded this week to fifteen worthwhile projects in our district…These grants will protect our environment, renovate buildings, maintain our infrastructure, and make our roads and sidewalks safer. I’m happy to be an advocate for our district in Harrisburg, and I’m thrilled to see these dollars coming back home.”
  • Representative Ben Waxman (D): “Art, recreation and history are not just things that we celebrate in Center City, but we also work to protect it,” said Waxman. “I always make it a priority to support the organizations that give our neighborhoods their character, create good jobs, and make Philadelphia a place people want to live and visit. When we fund these things, we’re strengthening the entire community.”
  • Senator Cappelletti (D): “I’m thrilled we are wrapping up 2025 on a positive note, making these smart, impactful investments back into local projects that will undoubtedly improve our neighborhoods.”
  • Senator Art Haywood (D): “These projects reflect what it looks like to govern with dignity,” Haywood added. “They support students preparing for the workforce, seniors and families accessing health care, first responders protecting our neighborhoods, and organizations meeting people where they are with care and compassion.”