HARRISBURG – The Impact Fee on unconventional natural gas wells will deliver more than $1.6 million to Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties, according to Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48).
Impact Fees are levied in addition to regular business taxes paid by every corporation in Pennsylvania. The disbursements were based on a formula established in Act 13 of 2012 to ensure communities affected by drilling receive their fair share of funding for projects such as road and bridge repairs, housing and other infrastructure needs.
The Impact Fee provides funding to the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which has generated more grants for the counties as listed below:
- Berks County: $512,510
- Lancaster County: $660,901
- Lebanon County: $448,285
“Impact Fee distributions are very beneficial because they fund important updates to our communities that enhance our lives – and none of the dollars come out of taxpayer pockets,” Gebhard said. “We’re able to improve parks, trails, creeks and more without further burdening taxpayers, which is always my goal.”
With the 2022 distribution, the natural gas industry, which provides thousands of family-sustaining jobs, has paid more than $11.7 million in impact fees to Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties since 2012.
A complete list of disbursements to counties and municipalities is available on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website at www.puc.state.pa.us.
CONTACT: Matthew Urban, 717-787-5708