More than $313K in natural gas taxes headed to Mercer County for projects
Pennsylvania’s impact fee taxes on unconventional natural gas wells will fund millions of dollars to communities and projects throughout the Commonwealth.
This includes more than $313,000 to Mercer County and the communities throughout, according to an announcement made Monday by State Representatives Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) and Tim Bonner (R-Mercer/Butler).
Throughout the state, impact fee taxes are levied in addition to regular business taxes that all corporations pay. Act 13 of 2012 establishes a formula to ensure communities affected by drilling receive funding for projects such as road and bridge repairs, housing and other infrastructure needs.
Approximately $3.12 billion has been generated by this tax on drillers to date.
Wentling, as stated in the release, is delighted for Mercer County to receive this compensation.
“I’m pleased this money is coming back to Mercer County and its municipalities for a host of uses, including the creation of trails, like Greenville’s Shenango River Trail and Sharpsville’s Trout Island Trail,” Wentling said.
Bonner shares the sentiment, adding that energy production adds to the economy, natural defense and energy independence throughout the state.
Six municipalities receiving more than $10,000 in Mercer County include:
Lackawannock Township: $95,472
Shenango Township: $66,659
Jefferson Township: $34,606
Hermitage City: $20,305
East Lackawannock Township: $10,968
Jackson Township: $10,131
All other counties receiving disbursements received anywhere from up to $9,508 to $56.
In addition to the disbursements discussed, an additional $109,341 was also distributed to Mercer County.