HARRISBURG - Act 13, along with greatly enhancing environmental standards to ensure the protection of our natural resources, has generated more than $204.2 million through the new impact fee. Most of this money will be distributed directly to local communities across the state.

“The Marcellus industry continues to create jobs and prosperity for our state’s working families,” Governor Tom Corbett said. “We are excited and encouraged by this growth, but we know that every leap forward has an impact. That’s why this impact fee is appropriate; millions of dollars will go directly to help the communities who need it.

Corbett was joined by Lt. Gov Jim Cawley, Public Utility Commission Chairman Rob Powelson and members of the General Assembly for today’s announcement. Corbett said that counties and municipalities may use these funds on various expenses related to impacts from natural gas development, including:

• Construction, repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and other public infrastructure;
• Water, storm water and sewer system construction and repair;
• Emergency response preparedness, training, equipment, responder recruitment;
• Preservation and reclamation of surface and subsurface water supplies;
• Records management, geographic information systems and information technology;
• Projects which increase the availability of affordable housing to low-income residents;
• Delivery of social services, including domestic relations, drug and alcohol treatment, job training and counseling;
• Offsetting increased judicial system costs, including training;
• Assistance to county conservation districts for inspection, oversight and enforcement of natural gas development;  
• County or municipal planning.