Rep. Joe Kerwin of Dauphin County has announced that over $190,000 from impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents in the 125th District. This funding is part of a larger distribution reported by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which amounts to $164.5 million for the 2024 reporting year. This figure is $15 million lower than the previous year due to fewer new wells and stable natural gas prices.
Kerwin emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “Impact fees from the natural gas industry provide critical funding for Dauphin County, playing a significant role in supporting local infrastructure, emergency services and community development projects that boost quality of life.” He expressed gratitude for the return of these funds to local communities and highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities to support his constituents.
The distribution system allocates 60% of collected impact fees back to counties and municipalities affected by drilling activities. The remaining funds are directed into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, with portions allocated to counties. The state uses additional funds for various purposes including emergency response planning, water system construction and repair, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental initiatives statewide.
