Lawrence County municipalities receive $200,000 in impact fees from drilling companies

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are coming to municipalities in Lawrence County.

According to a news release, Representative Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) announced Marcellus Shale drilling companies will pay more than $200,000 to Lawrence County municipalities along with $198,000 to Lawrence County in impact fees.

The release states the impact fees will help and benefit those who live in Lawrence County, the 9th Legislative District.

"This funding is an investment in our communities," said Brown. "It supports road repairs, public safety and essential services, all without burdening local taxpayers. The natural gas industry continues to play a valuable role in strengthening our local economy."

Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are gathered from the drilling companies and 60% is given back to counties and municipalities where drilling operations occur.

The remaining amount will go into a Marcellus Shale Legacy fund, which provides part of the funds to counties. The state uses those remaining funds for a variety of services including emergency response planning, infrastructure maintenance and water and sewer system construction and repair.

The Public Utility Commission for Lawrence County announced in the release the following eligible municipalities and their respective impact fee totals:

• Bessemer Borough - $1,052
  
  
• Hickory Township - $3,164
  
  
• Mahoning Township - $36,512
  
  
• New Castle City - $20,539
  
  
• New Wilmington Borough - $1,787
  
  
• Neshannock Township - $18,465
  
  
• North Beaver Township - $27,195
  
  
• Pulaski Township - $71,854
  
  
• Shenango Township - $8,510
  
  
• S.N.P.J. Borough - $84
  
  
• South New Castle - $755
  
  
• Taylor Township - $1,494
  
  
• Union Township - $5,547
  
  
• Wilmington Township - $3,873

According to Rep. Brown's website, municipalities are expected to receive these funds in early July.