Butler County News

Rep. Marci Mustello has announced that Butler County residents will benefit from over $1.33 million in impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies. These funds are allocated to various projects within the 11th Legislative District.

"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 continues to help our local governments meet the demands that have arisen as a result of the industry."

The disbursements for different areas in the 11th District include: Buffalo Township receiving $92,387, Butler Township with $298,728, Chicora Borough getting $4,764, City of Butler at $64,095, Clearfield Township with $92,357, Clinton Township at $132,237, Donegal Township with $63,239, East Butler Borough receiving $5,013, Jefferson Township at $129,531, Oakland Township getting $124,923, Summit Township at $126,874 and Winfield Township receiving $198,164.

In totality, Butler County is set to receive more than $1.83 million in funding.

According to Act 13 of 2012 regulations on impact fees collected from drilling companies stipulate that 60% should be returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling activities. The remainder is directed into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund which supports counties further while some portions fund state emergency response planning and training; water and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance; and statewide environmental initiatives.

Municipalities can expect these checks to be distributed in early July.