Butler County News

Rep. Marci Mustello of Butler County announced that over $2 million in impact fees from Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents of the 11th District. According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), this year's distribution is over $44 million higher than last year, largely due to the average price of natural gas in 2022.

"The impact fee not only funds critical projects in Butler County but also a wide variety of important environmental projects in communities throughout the state," said Mustello. "The natural gas industry has created new jobs and opportunities in our communities, and this funding is another reminder of the importance of this industry in Pennsylvania."

The disbursements for the 11th District include: Buffalo Township ($156,302), Butler Township ($298,728), Chicora Borough ($8,084), City of Butler ($108,857), Clearfield Township ($157,498), Clinton Township ($201,420), Donegal Township ($107,904), East Butler Borough ($8,466), Jefferson Township ($221,392), Oakland Township ($213,397), Saxonburg Borough ($10,825), Summit Township ($211,848), and Winfield Township ($338,980). Overall, Butler County will receive more than $3 million.

Under Act 13 of 2012, these impact fees are collected from drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The remaining funds go into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund used for emergency response planning and training; water system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance; and statewide environmental initiatives.

Checks to municipalities are expected to be distributed in early July.